Egypt's Prime Minister Sharif Ismail held talks with his Congolese counterpart Matata Ponyo Mapon and his accompanying delegation to discuss promoting bilateral relations in the presence of several ministers from both sides.

Ismail welcomed the Congolese premier, saying that the bilateral relations have been developed during the current period, said Cabinet spokesman Hossam al Qawish.

He praised a visit paid by President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila during the inauguration of the New Suez Canal Project.

Ismail said that he was waiting for President Kabila to visit Egypt anew to enhance the bilateral relations binding both countries.

Ismail thanked the Congolese leadership and people for supporting Egypt to win a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council and the membership of the AU Peace and Security Council.

Egypt will defend the interests of the DRC and all African countries to confront the waves of violence and extremism that negatively affect the efforts of stability and development in various countries.

Ismail voiced appreciation for Congolese stance aiming at reaching a consensus among the Nile Basin countries in order to conclude a deal involving all countries and ensuring their rights.

Ismail commended the course of bilateral times between both countries in all fields, mainly in the energy, irrigation and health.

Mapon called for concreted efforts to fight against terrorism. The terrorism has no religion or nation, he said.

He called on Al Azhar to send preachers to the DRC to learn the people about tolerance of Islam.

Source: MENA