Egypt keen to support peace efforts in Mali; promote economic relations with Hungary

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri affirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for all efforts to settle disputes through peaceful means in order to protect the sovereignty of Mali and its territorial integrity.

Shoukri’s remarks came during his meeting on Wednesday with his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop at the headquarters of Egypt’s permanent mission to the UN in New York.

The meeting came on the sidelines of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA77).

During the meeting, Shoukri voiced Egypt’s keenness on promoting bilateral ties with Mali, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid.

A comprehensive approach is needed to handle the crises in Mali, Shoukri said, adding that Egypt stands fully ready to contribute to the reconstruction and development efforts in the Sahel region.

The top diplomat reviewed Egypt’s pioneering role in combatting terrorism and extremist ideologies, Abu Zeid said.

The minister further said that Al-Azhar can contribute to spreading the teachings of moderate Islam in Mali, according to the spokesman.

He also said that Mali could very well benefit from the role of the Sahel and Sahara Counter-terrorism Centre, which was recently opened in Cairo.

Egypt is keen on providing support for Mali in various spheres, especially in health sector, and providing the necessary medical equipment, Shoukri affirmed during the meeting.

Foreign Minister Shoukri also met in New York with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto and stressed the need for further promoting co-operation between the two countries, especially at the economic level.

During the meeting, Shoukri reviewed with his Hungarian counterpart the promising investment opportunities in Egypt, according to Abu Zeid.

The two ministers also said that they are looking forward to the convocation of the fourth session of the Egyptian-Hungarian Joint Committee in Budapest in the coming period, added the spokesman.

Shoukri also reviewed the ongoing efforts to combat illegal immigration, affirming the comprehensive approach Egypt has been adopting at the national level to deter illegal immigration.

The Egyptian top diplomat also underlined the importance of co-operation to implement development projects in order to combat illegal immigration, noted the spokesman.

The two ministers also discussed the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its lingering impact on food and energy across the globe.