Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic affirmed on Sunday his country's keenness to continue cooperation with Egypt on all levels against the challenges facing the two Mediterranean countries. His remarks came in a meeting with Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo. This cooperation comes in light of the direct relation between security in Europe and the situation in the Middle East and North Africa region, an Egyptian presidential statement cited Selakovic as saying. Selakovic hailed the Egyptian efforts aimed at achieving security and stability in the region as well as efforts to strengthen cooperation between African, Arab and European countries. He also praised Egypt's efforts to counter extremist thought and establish the principles of acceptance of others, freedom of choice and tolerance, according to the statement. Selakovic expressed keenness to continue coordination and consultation between the two countries in various fields. "[Selakovic affirmed] aspiration to develop and enhance Serbia's relations with Egypt, especially in light of the successful and inspiring developmental experience Egypt currently witnesses under President [El-Sisi's] in all fields," the statement read. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Serbian Ambassador to Cairo Suzana Bošković-Prodanović attended the meeting. El-Sisi hailed Egypt's historic relations with Serbia extending for more than 100 years, through which the two countries have witnessed constructive and fruitful cooperation on the bilateral and international levels. El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's aspiration to enhance the bilateral relations with Serbia on all levels and boost trade exchange between the two countries in a way that comes in line with the level of their distinguished political relations with each other. This comes in light of the major development projects being implemented in Egypt and the investment and industrial opportunities these projects secure, El-Sisi said. The president also highlighted the possibility that the Serbian companies would benefit from the commercial agreements linking Egypt with Arab and African countries. Last month, Egypt's Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki signed a military cooperation protocol with Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Nebojša Stefanović in Cairo.
