Morocco, Egypt to turn over new leaf

Moroccan Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukry promised to turn over a new leaf in the relationship between the two countries and open new horizons for cooperation.
The joint interests and the deep-rooted ties between the two countries are far greater than any transient issues or differences, according to a joint statement released after the talks between the two sides.
The meeting between Mezouar and Shukry provided an invaluable opportunity for both sides to share views on a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
The two sides stated desire to continue consultations and enhance the scientific and cultural cooperation through visit exchanges between the media organizations and academics from the both countries.
They agreed to activate the accords, reached during the third session of the commission on political strategic coordination which was in Marrakesh in January, 2014.
They also agreed to work together for promoting moderate Islamic ideology and combat extremism the effective coordination and experience sharing between the religious institutions.
On Libya the two ministers expressed profound concern over the ongoing attempts to undermine the country's legitimate institutions, calling on the international community to help combat the terrorist organizations in Libya.
The two ministers welcomed the new round of dialogue among the Libyan political forces in Geneva, lauding the mediation efforts made in this regard by Bernardino Leon, head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), according to the statement.
Mezouar affirmed Morocco's support to Egypt's candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2016-17, and backing for Egypt's efforts to realize the objectives of democratic transition and maintain its security and stability.
On his part, Shukry reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting Morocco in its efforts to protect its territorial integrity and solve the Moroccan Western Sahara pursuant to the relevant UN Security Council resolution, the statement went on.
Earlier today, Shukry met King Mohammad VI in Fes conveyed to him and the Moroccan government and people of Morocco the regards of Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi; he also handed the King an invitation from Al-Sisi to visit Egypt, the statement said.
King Mohammad VI instructed his government to prepare well for the coming session of the higher joint commission, due to be held in Cairo under auspices of the two heads of the two states, it pointed out.
Shukry has concluded an official two-day visit to Morocco and left for home tonight.