Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry left here on Sunday for Moscow at the start of a European tour involving, Estonia and Lithuania.

He will discuss bilateral political, economic and trade ties with officials of the three countries along with regional and international issues of mutual interest. He will also seek the backing of these countries for Mouchira Khattab, Egypt's nominee for the post of UNESCO secretary general. The three countries are members of the UNESCO executive council.

It will be the first visit by an Egyptian foreign minister to Estonia, the current president of the European Union, and Lithuania.

Shoukry will visit Russia as the first leg in his tour where he will deliver a message from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Source: MENA