’We won’t allow terrorist groups to grow in Libya’ French FM

CAIRO- 8 June 2017: French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Thursday, that his country will not allow any terrorist groups to grow in Libya to affect the stabilization of Cairo or Paris.

‘We won’t allow any terrorist groups to grow in Libya to represent a direct threat to us,’ Le Drian said during a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry.

Le Drian added during his first visit to Cairo since taking office that his country is keen to maintain very successful ties with Egypt and that the two countries have a long history of cooperation represented in many projects including Cairo Metro, and the latest military agreements signed during the past two years.

Le Drian said that his discussions with Shoukry included the region’s current situation, especially the countries that suffer from wars and terrorism.

He explained furthermore, that France understands the challenges Egypt faces and is willing to offer all needed support for Cairo to achieve development and stabilization.
From his side, the Egyptian minister said that Le Drian’s visit to Egypt reflects the relations’ strength between the two countries. ‘Egypt and France have very positive and deep relations’ Shoukry added during the conference.

Le Drian supposes to meet with Pope Tawadros II and President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to discuss topics of mutual interest between the two countries according to statement released by French Foreign Ministry Wednesday.

‘I’m going to meet with Pope Tawadros today to offer my condolences regarding the latest terrorist attack which killed 29 people, May 26 in Minya governorate,’ Le Drian said.