Egyptian, Moroccan FMs discuss bilateral ties, regional affairs

CAIRO - 8 January 2019: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shokry received his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Borita in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations, regional and African affairs.

Minister Shokry said in a joint press conference that he reviewed with Borita cooperation mechanisms both countries want to implement as well as the legal framework governing Egyptian-Moroccan ties. The goal is to determine if there is a need to modify or come up with new mechanisms or terms.

The minister stated that the stances of Egypt and Morocco on regional affairs and the Palestinian Cause are identical saying that both are members of the Union for the Mediterranean (UFM).

Shokry asserted that king of Morocco has an important role in sponsoring the Jerusalem Committee. He added that they discussed the issues of Libya, Syria, and Yemen.

Both ministers discussed African affairs and possible joint efforts to push through reforms in the African Union (AU) since Morocco has become a member of AU’s Peace and Security Council. Borita said that he delivered greetings of king Mohamed VI to President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi through the Egyptian foreign minister praising Egypt’s success to improve the economic environment and security under the incumbent president.

This year, the Egyptian-Moroccan Committee for Security and Strategic Dialogue will convene, and a joint business council will be formed.

The Moroccan foreign minister stated the need to strengthen coordination between both countries on regional matters congratulating Egypt for chairing the AU in 2019. Borita announced his country’s support to Egypt’s efforts to preserve its stability and security.

Shokry stated that when necessary arrangements are finished, the Egyptian-Moroccan Joint Supreme Committee will convene to be co-chaired by President Sisi and King Mohamed VI.

Replying to a press question, Shokry said that he does not know if Syria will be represented in the Arab Economic Summit to be held in Beirut on January 19-20. The minister added that any decisions on removing the suspension of Syria’s membership will be made by the Council of the Arab League.

Shokry added that any decisions on Syria within the Arab League will be considered in light of the UN Security Council’s Resolution 2254 (2015) endorsing road map for peace process in the country.

“We detect all attempts to destabilize Libya and their impact on Libyan citizens. Those (attempts) also threaten neighboring countries as there is continuous targeting (of those countries). Some European partners also detected arms coming from Turkey. Qatar is also pursuing the same policy as Turkey of supporting those (militant) groups and using them to achieve political goals,” Shokry said replying to a question on smuggling arms by Turkey into Libya.

Borita asserted that the security aspect of Skhirat Agreement must be accomplished for the political side to materialize.