Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry revealed an anticipated visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin at beginning of the new year, saying that Egyptian-Russian ties are historic and based on mutual interests.
Regarding US-Egyptian ties, the minister said he keeps good relations with officials in the United States, adding that US national security is related to the Middle East, of which Egypt is a part.
He described challenges facing Egypt and the Middle East as ‘unprecedented’ saying Egypt is able to exceed them.
In an interview aired on the privately-owned channel Al-Qahera wal Nas on Tuesday, Shoukry refused to describe the Arab relations as being based on interests, saying that ties between Egypt and the Arab countries are based on Arab unity. He stressed that all countries seek stability.
He expressed his wish that some countries change their policies and stances toward Egypt adding that stances of some countries’ ambassadors do not indicate the country's actual stances.
The international community, according to Shoukry, has tended to underestimate the dangers of terrorism until being affected by it. He said it’s essential to deal with any terrorist group as if it affects the whole international community, adding that the Islamic State is not the only danger on the region.
Shoukry said that all his stances toward international issues express those of the Egyptian government.
Edited translation from MENA
