Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shokry and his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita have discussed bilateral relations, regional and African affairs, and means to face the Arab world’s challenges.
Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said in a statement that during talks in Cairo Tuesday, the two ministers stressed the “importance of strengthening the mechanisms of joint Arab cooperation in order to enhance the capabilities of Arab countries to meet different challenges.”
He added that Shokry and Bourita also tackled the challenges facing several Arab countries, including Syria, Libya, Yemen and Palestine.
“The two top diplomats underscored the importance of bolstering mutual cooperation at all levels including economic and trade ties,” the statement said.
During a joint press conference, Shokry said that when necessary arrangements are complete, the Egyptian-Moroccan Joint Supreme Committee will convene under the co-chairmanship of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and King Mohamed VI.
Shokry also said he reviewed with Bourita cooperation mechanisms both countries want to implement as well as the legal framework governing Egyptian-Moroccan ties. “The goal is to determine if there is a need to modify or come up with new mechanisms or terms,” he explained.
The Egyptian Minister said the stances of his country and Morocco on regional affairs and the Palestinian cause are identical, saying both are members of the Union for the Mediterranean (UFM).
Shokry stressed the importance of Bourita’s visit, which is the first to Cairo.
For his part, the Moroccan Minister called for strengthening coordination between Egypt and Morocco on regional matters, and congratulated Cairo for chairing the African Union in 2019.
He also expressed support to Egypt’s efforts to preserve stability and security.
Bourita also met Tuesday with Arab League chief Ahmed Abul Gheit.