Egypt's FM heads to Greece on Monday for Rhodes confererence on security

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry heads to Greece on Monday for a security conference with counterparts from various Mediterranean nations, according to a ministry statement.

Shoukry will attend the Rhodes Conference for Security and Stability on 22 and 23 May, said FM spokesperson Ahmed Abo Zeid in a statement on the ministry's Facebook page on Sunday.

The foreign minister is set to deliver a speech on "the Egyptian vision in dealing with the challenges and crises that the region is facing, the vision that is based on the importance of preserving the nation state and tackling terrorist groups that seek to dismantle societies and incite violence and extremism", Abo Zeid said.

Shoukry will also address the importance of peaceful crisis resolution, respecting the cultural and civilization individuality of societies, and not intervening in their internal affairs, the statement said.

The visit to Greece will see Shoukry engaging in bilateral meetings with a number of participating foreign ministers.

The Rhodes conference is in its second year this year and will address three topics over three sessions.

The first is on the common challenges in the region; the second is on education, culture and environment; while the third is focused on reinforcing security and stability.

Officials from various nations in southeastern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Gulf region will take part. The conference will also tackle illegal migration, terrorism, and the Libyan and Syrian crises.

Shoukry was in the Greek capital Athens at the end of April, participating in a forum on ancient civilizations. He also took part in bilateral meetings with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras.

Source: Ahram online