Egypt’s foreign minister Sameh Shukri met today (Saturday) in Cairo with his Syrian counterpart, Faisal al-Maqdad, for the first time in 14 years, as reported in the “A-Sharq Al-Awast” newspaper. According to the report, the visit is another indication of the two countries’ desire to strengthen relations. Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that the conversation between the two dealt with a variety of topics, including the relationship between Cairo and Damascus, as well as the promotion of common interests.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cairo also stated that “in light of the historical past ties between the two countries, and the shared Arab interest in dealing with the emerging regional and international challenges, the conversation dealt with ways to help the Syrian people regain their unity and sovereignty, including efforts to recover from the devastating earthquake that struck the country last February.” The Foreign Ministry also stated that efforts are being made to achieve a comprehensive political settlement in order to end the crisis in Syria.
Syria’s Foreign Minister on a diplomatic visit to Cairo (Photo: REUTERS)
At the same time, the newspaper reported that Minister Shukri renewed Egypt’s full support for efforts to reach a political settlement in Syria as soon as possible, and in accordance with the resolution of the UN Security Council. It was also reported that the Egyptian minister stated to his Syrian counterpart that reaching a political settlement would bring an end to foreign interference in its affairs internal affairs of Syria, and ensure its stability and maintaining its territorial integrity. According to him, the political settlement will also increase the ability to deal with the terrorist organizations, and will allow the voluntary return of the Syrian refugees to the country, and will have a positive effect on stability in the Arab world and in the entire region.
The Syrian minister, for his part, thanked Egypt for the humanitarian aid it provided after the earthquake, and for its ambition to reach Arab solidarity with Syria, in order to be able to overcome the crises in the country. As part of the conversation, the Syrian minister reviewed the various aspects of the Syrian conflict, including the economic, humanitarian and security challenges. The ministers agreed to increase the communication channels between the countries at the various levels.
Many countries in the West and the Arab world were reluctant to maintain diplomatic relations with the Assad regime, following the civil war in Syria that broke out in 2011, which caused the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians. The Cairo-based Arab League suspended Syria in 2011, and Arab countries have recalled their ambassadors from Damascus.