FM: Terrorism poses major threat to peace, stability, development

CAIRO, Dec 6 (MENA) - Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that terrorism poses a major threat to peace, stability and development efforts, which requires taking collective and resolute action to counter all terrorist groups and hold accountable all those who provide support and safe haven to them.

The top Egyptian diplomat underlined the necessity of targeting all organizations that adopt the extremist thought and use religion as a cover for their own political goals, including the Muslim Brotherhood, Boko Haram and Al Shabab, along with Daesh and al Qaeda.

Shoukry's remarks came during his participation in a special session held on the sidelines of the Rome Mediterranean Dialogues (MED 2019) conference in Italy to review Egypt's view on the situation in the Middle East, Spokesman for the Foreign Ministry Ahmed Hafez said.

Shoukry also shed light on the important and vital role played by Egypt to strengthen regional security and stability, as well as its endeavors to settle armed conflicts, the spokesman added.

With regard to mounting challenges in the Mediterranean region, Shoukry asserted the importance of reaching comprehensive political settlements to regional crises as a prerequisite for any serious endeavor towards peace and stability.

Concerning the Palestinian issue, Egypt's top diplomat called for finding a just and final solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with Al Quds as its capital.

As for the situation in Libya, Shoukry stressed the need for serious action to resolve the Libyan crisis, while preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the North African country.

In a related context, the foreign minister pointed to the negative impact of signing of a military cooperation agreement and a maritime boundaries deal between Turkey and Libya, as they violate the 2015 Skhirat agreement and undermine efforts to reach a comprehensive political settlement.

Regarding Egypt's foreign relations, Shoukry affirmed that his country is keen on establishing good and balanced relations with international partners, in particular its strategic ties with the US, the EU, Russia and China.

The foreign minister talked about the link between development and stability, calling for exerting more efforts to create a conducive environment for the promotion of North-South trade and investment as well as the empowerment of youth and women.