Egypt keen to coordinate with Vatican on key issues - FM

CAIRO, Dec 7 (MENA) - Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Friday affirmed Egypt's keenness on boosting consultation and coordination with the Vatican on key issues of common concern at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.

Meeting Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the foreign minister expressed Egypt's pride in relations with the Vatican and appreciation of positive development witnessed in the various issues of common interest, as well as the continuous efforts between the two sides to spread the values of tolerance and acceptance of the other and confront extremist ideology, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Hafez said in a statement.

The minister also reviewed efforts exerted by Cairo to promote the values of citizenship and freedom of religion, which was appreciated by the Vatican top diplomat.

In turn, Gallagher hailed Egypt's pivotal role in achieving security and stability in the Middle East and its efforts to settle regional disputes.

The two sides also mulled regional issues of common concern.