Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed on Monday the need for intensifying international resolve in the face of countries that fund and support terrorism in a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, state news agency MENA reported. El-Sisi also told Merkel that a strong message should be directed toward these countries if the international community wants to completely eradicate terrorism. The two leaders also discussed developments in the situation with Qatar one week after a number of Arab and Muslim countries decided to boycott the Gulf state over its “terrorist ties.” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday she was concerned about the situation in Qatar, adding that all Gulf nations, and also Iran and Turkey, should work together to resolve the regional dispute. They also discussed the latest situation in Libya, with El-Sisi emphasising that Egypt is keen to restore stability and security throughout the region. Merkel said her country was ready to bolster cooperation on combating terrorism as well as stopping illegal migration. The chancellor said German companies are eager to increase their investments and activities in Egypt and praised the country's role in the region. El-Sisi also discussed Cairo's latest economic reforms and efforts to create a healthy atmosphere for investment. El-Sisi is in Berlin to participate in the G20 Africa Partnership conference from 12 to 13 June, which focuses on business and investment opportunities in Africa, with the participation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as several African heads of state. This is the second time the president has visited Berlin. His first visit was in 2015. In March, Merkel visited Egypt for talks with the president and to inagurate a mega-project led by Siemens manufacturing company.
