Egypt, Germany discuss cooperation, region

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi discussed on Monday with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier ways of boosting cooperation at all levels, particularly trade and military ones, the presidential spokesman said.

They discussed the latest developments in Egypt and its ongoing war on extremists, Alaa Yousef added.

Sisi assured Steinmeier that while Egypt tries to eradicate terror groups it is fully committed to preserving human rights and rule of the law, adding that Egypt's political roadmap will be accomplished by holding the parliamentary elections later this year.

The president signaled Egypt's willingness to further boost cooperation with Germany in different domains, underscoring the importance of German's support in eradicating poverty and illiteracy.

The German top diplomat, for his part, expressed his country's full support for Egypt in pursuing overall development process and democratic transition.

Egypt is a close ally to Germany and the European, he said, underlining the importance of removing any points of disagreement between the two sides.

They also touched on the recent developments in the Middle East including the surge of terrorism, and the political and security instability in some Arab countries, the spokesman said.

The two sides showed convergence over the situation in Syria and Libya, and agreed that a political solution could be the only way out of the crises there.

They also underscored the importance of collective efforts in combating terror groups, especially Daesh, by every possible mean alongside the security one by adopting a more comprehensive approach that covers cultural, economic, and social aspects.

The meeting further touched on the Iranian nuclear program and its impact on the Gulf states, with the president asserting Egypt's full support for the security of the Gulf countries.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and German Ambassador in Cairo Hansjorg Habar attended the meeting.