Shoukry hails Canada's efforts in regional issues

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry hailed Canada's efforts in regional issues. 

Speaking at a press conference with his Canadian counterpart Stephane Dion on Wednesday, Shoukry said that he discussed with Dion a host of regional and international issues, topped by combating terrorism. 

He further said that Dion discussed with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi ways of boosting joint ties. 

He further hailed the Egyptian government's efforts to increase Canadian investments in Egypt. 
Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Canadian counterpart Stephane Dion underlined keenness on promoting cooperation ties binding the two countries in the various fields. 

"We hope that our ties continue developing... and we will participate together in Paris peace conference," he added. 

The Canadian foreign minister, meanwhile, extended condolences to Egypt over the victims of EgyptAir plane crash that took place last week. 

He affirmed his country's support to Egypt in such circumstances. 

Dion also voiced happiness for meeting President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and for his talks with Shoukry. 

The talks took up several issues of mutual interest, including the situation of Libya, Yemen, Syria and Iraq, he added. 
Asked about President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's call for Palestinians and Israelis to return to the negotiating table, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that the Palestinian president will pay a visit to Egypt soon as he will attend meetings of the Arab League Council on Saturday. 

He will also brief the Arab foreign ministers on Palestinian efforts to revive the peace process. 

Shoukry, meanwhile, said that Egypt is exerting tireless efforts to get viewpoints closer between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. 

The Canadian foreign minister said that he appreciates Sisi's efforts to revive the peace process. 

Regarding cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism along with economic cooperation, the Canadian foreign minister said that the two issues were discussed with Shoukry, adding that Egypt has a great experience in combating terrorism. 

The two countries can work together in this sphere, he further said. 

Talking about his talks with Shoukry, the Canadian foreign minister said that the talks also took up the situation in Libya. 

Shoukry, for his part, said that Egypt attaches great importance to intensifying cooperation with Canada to confront terrorism.

Shoukry, meanwhile, said that the trade balance between Egypt and Canada stands at 900 million dollars. 

He also welcomed Canada's participation in infrastructure projects and civil aviation. 
Asked about ways of increasing the number of Canadian tourists in Egypt, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that he talked with his Canadian foreign minister about the importance of understanding Egypt's stance and cooperating among the governmental bodies in the two countries. 

"Canada's travel advisory to Egypt still exists and I think that it should be revised to return the Canadian tourists to Egypt," he added. 

Regarding the report of Amnesty International and its accusations against Egypt, Shoukry said "I did not read the report but Amnesty usually issues exaggerated reports."

Source: MENA