FM: Egypt seeking increased German support in border control

CAIRO - 17 February 2018: Egypt is seeking increased German support in the field of border control, said Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in a meeting with German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid in a statement on Saturday.

According to a statement, Shoukry touched upon efforts exerted by Egypt to fight terrorism, praising security and military cooperation between Cairo and Berlin, given common interests in boosting security and stability in the Middle East and Sahel and Sahara regions and he

Shoukry posted Von der Leyen on Operation Sinai 2018 meant to uproot terrorism on the peninsula, Abu Zeid added.

The meeting also tackled the file of illegal migration, with Von der Leyen lauding Egypt's successful effort to stop boats carrying migrants to Europe, the spokesman said.

Egypt, Shoukry told Von der Leyen, is concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the African Sahel region, where terrorist organizations are active, the spokesman further said.

Egypt is keen on boosting security cooperation with Sahel countries through offering 1,000 training courses and supporting efforts of joint forces to counter terrorism, Abu Zeid quoted Shoukry as having said.

The German minister was interested in learning about Egypt's stance toward the situation in the region, Libya in particular, the spokesman said.

Shoukry put her in the picture about the political process in Libya, as well as Egypt's efforts to help unify the Libyan military establishment, Abu Zeid noted.

Von der Leyen said her country appreciates the vital role played by Egypt to solve regional problems in Syria and Libya, and revive the peace process between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, he added.

The Egyptian government is keen on organizing free and fair polls to reflect Egypt's commitment to a democratic path, Shoukry added.

Shoukry and German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere, in a meeting today on the sidelines of a security conference in Munich, welcomed the level of security cooperation between their countries, particularly where fighting terrorism d extremism is concerned.

The meeting also tackled cooperation in fighting illegal migration and corruption, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid.