FM underlines Egypt's support for Mali's stability

Foreign Minister Mohamed Kamel Amr underscored Egypt's full support for efforts to restore stability in Mali and readiness to do anything the Malian government would ask for to help in this respect. During a meeting with Malian Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqub Taraure, currently visiting Egypt, the minister stressed Egypt's readiness to cooperate in promoting dialogue between the government and the armed groups in Mali if the Malian officials ask for it. Egypt plans to enhance cooperation with Mali in terms of providing humanitarian relief aid or through programs and projects carried out by the Egyptian Fund for Technical Cooperation with Africa and scholarships offered by Al Azhar, he added. Egypt is also keen on protecting the Islamic heritage in northern Mali, he added. Taraure Monday said his country is looking forward to having Egypt play a role in settling the crisis in northern Mali. In statements to MENA following his talks with Amr, the minister said that the Malian government wants Egypt's support in holding dialogue with the armed groups in the north in order to reach freedom and independence. He expressed thanks to Egypt for its support to his country at all times. He added that his talks with the foreign minister covered ways to promote bilateral relations particularly in the religious domains. He voiced confidence that Egyptian-Malian relations will witness more cooperation. Egypt shares very good relations with all African states and Mali appreciates Egypt's role in the continent, he said, voicing hope for more cooperation with all African nations.