Pakistan, Egypt pledge to strengthen bilateral ties

11 Dec, 2016

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz met Foreign Minister of Egypt Sameh Shoukry and both sides agreed to revitalize ties in economic, trade and investment sectors, for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Sartaj Aziz, who is in Bahrain to attend the Manama Security Dialogue - 12th Regional Security Summit, held bilateral meetings with Sameh Shoukry and Prince Turki Al Fasial, Chairman King Faisal Centre for Research & Islamic Studies of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the Summit.

During meeting with Egyptian minister, it was decided to convene the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) at an early date in Islamabad to undertake a comprehensive overview of ongoing cooperation and set future directions, said a press release on Sunday.

The two sides welcomed the outcome of Bilateral Political Consultations held in May this year in Cairo, which provided a useful mechanism of consultations to closely coordinate respective positions on regional and international issues.

Sartaj Aziz and Sameh Shoukry also discussed the situation in the Middle East and threats faced by Islamic Ummah from the evil forces of sectarianism, terrorism and extremism.

Shoukry praised the efforts of Pakistan in counterterrorism.

He also appreciated close cooperation between Egypt and Pakistan at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

The two sides agreed to closely coordinate their respective positions on Security Council Reform and to support each other's candidatures for various UN bodies.

Adviser Sartaj Aziz also met Prince Turki Al Fasial, who recalled his visits to Pakistan and interactions with Pakistani leadership very fondly.

As founder of King Faisal Foundation, Prince Turki is overseeing various educational and philanthropic projects.

Sartaj proposed joint programmes between King Faisal Foundation and Pakistani universities in the field of de- radicalization, which was welcomed.

Prince Turki also conveyed his warm greetings to the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2016

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