Mali's Defense Minister Tieman Hubert Coulibaly received a message from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Tuesday during a meeting at Ettehadiya Presidential Palace between Sisi, Defense Minister Sedqy Sobhy, Coulibaly and Mali's ambassador to Cairo.
According to presidential spokesperson Alaa Youssef, Sisi said that the loose security situation, the chaos of weapons proliferation and terrorist groups in Libya pose a threat to African countries, especially neighboring ones, pointing out that confronting terrorism should not be only military but requires the correction of religious discourse.
The misunderstanding and misinterpretation of religion contributes to the growth and spread of extremist thought, Youssef quoted Sisi as saying.
Youssef said in a statement Tuesday that the Mali minister conveyed the greetings and appreciation of the Mali president and his sincere condolences over the killing of Egyptian hostages by the Islamic State in Libya.
A message from the president of Mali expressed his country's aspiration to support and strengthen bilateral relations with Cairo in various fields, and emphasized his full support for Egypt in its war against terrorism and its reaction to the heinous crime that targeted Egyptian citizens in Libya.
Coulibaly stressed that Mali appreciates the assistance provided by Egypt at all levels, and is looking to strengthen its military and security cooperation relations, particularly with regard to the fight against terrorism, said Youssef.
Sisi asked to convey his greetings and wishes for the success of the Malian president, stressing Egypt's keenness on solidarity with African brothers more than ever, Youssef mentioned.
Egypt backs establishing security and stability in African countries, especailly when it is in favor of Cairo, Sisi was quoted as saying.
The officials discussed the reconciliation process in Mali, sponsored by Algeria, and Sisi expressed his wishes to reach a peace agreement that brings calm and stability in Mali.
