Egyptian president asserts importance of coalition against terrorism

Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi stressed importance Saturday of having a comprehensive coalition against terrorism, not only against one terrorist organization, or whether in the Middle East or Africa.
The Egyptian leader made his remarks during a meeting with visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry, which was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri.
Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Ehab Badawi said that Al-Sisi noted the importance of addressing new conflicts in the region, which ignite sectarian and ideological disputes thus marginalizing or excluding of some sects.
The Egyptian leader expressed hope that the new Iraqi government achieves the needed balance and inclusiveness among all Iraqi factions.
Al-Sisi made it clear that the economic and development factors must take a big part of the counter-terrorism strategy, address poverty for it was a fertile environment for the terrorism growth and extremist ideology.
It is therefore important, Al-Sisi added, that the international community works to improve the economic and social conditions of people in the region as well as drying up financial resources to terrorist groups.
Al-Sisi warned against the consequence of involvement of foreign fighters in some countries in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Iraq and their role in fueling the conflicts, as well as the threat they posed when they return to their countries.
For his part, Kerry said that counter-terrorism strategy should not be limited to security and military aspects, but must include the religious and cultural aspects, noting Cairo and Washington stressed importance of activating the role of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in defining these extremist groups and to clarify violations of the real teachings of Islam and to disseminate the values of Islam, its true nature of tolerance and moderation.
Kerry stressed that Egypt is regarded as the key player in the Middle East and that the US-Egypt ties are strong and to work on strengthening it, especially since it benefits both sides.
Kerry added that there are some bilateral issues needed to be addressed like human rights and freedom of expression, including the detention of journalists. These issues make it difficult for the US Congress to approve American aid for Egypt, he said.
Earlier, Egypt and the US have agreed to work on cementing bilateral ties on basis of mutual respect and common interests, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri said.