Kuwait- Egyptian French leaders agree to promote cooperation

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) CAIRO April 17 (KUNA) -- Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi said Sunday he agreed with his French counterpart Francois Hollande to continue collaboration on a range of bilateral regional and international issues of common concern.

"The bilateral ties see a remarkable progress at all levels which reflects the shared desire to take the special relationship to an even higher level" Al-Sisi said at a joint press conference with Hollande following their meeting.

"We have agreed to revitalize the trade exchanges and tap into the promising investment opportunities in various sectors in Egypt including the planned mega projects" he said.

"We have also agreed to boost cooperation in the fields of conventional and unconventional energies and transport in the framework of Egypt's ambitions plans for economic development" Al-Sisi pointed out.

He noted that his meeting with Hollande gains additional significance given the terrorist threats which face the countries in both Europe and the Middle Eastern and require more concerted efforts.

"The combat against terrorism requires a comprehensive perspective that should include besides the security measures cultural and media action against extremist ideology.

"The talks with President Hollande also dealt with the joint efforts to address various crises in the Middle East on top of which are the efforts to revive the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks based on the two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital city" he went on.

Regarding the conflict in Libya Al-Sisi said he and Holland stress the need of maintaining the independence sovereignty and territorial unity of North African country and back the efforts of the newly-formed national unity government to take up its responsibilities.

On Iraq he stated support to the government efforts to maintain the country's territorial integrity and national unity and combat terrorism.

He added that he agreed with Hollande to work together for a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Syria that could put an end to the prolonged suffering of the Syrian people.

On his part the French leader who started an official visit to Egypt earlier today said the two countries maintain close ties in the political economic cultural and tourist fields.

Egypt has an ancient civilization he said noting that the bilateral ties will see a quantum leap in the cultural transport and infrastructure areas.

Hollande said Europe is very interested in the security cooperation with Egypt noting that human rights should not hinder the fight against terrorism.

Terrorism hit several countries including France which believes in the need to use force and law in the anti-terror combat he pointed out.

He added that the talks with Al-Sisi discussed the initiatives to relaunch the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks including the French initiative.

Hollande affirmed support to Libya's new government saying that France and Egypt will work with other international players to bring Libya out of turmoil and stabilize the country as early as possible. (end) esm.gb