Egypt's president Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Tunisian counterpart Beji Caid Essebsi discussed on Sunday the importance of unifying efforts to combat terrorism and extremism threatening both countries' security. The outcome of their talks was announced at a joint press conference in Cairo following Essebsi's arrival for a two-day visit that will see him meet with several Egyptian officials. This is Essebsi's first Egyptian visit since his election in December 2014. The presidents discussed developments in Libya, saying they are looking forward to Libya's approval of a UN-sponsered peace agreement. The leaders agreed on the need to work for a comprehensive political settlement for the conflict in Syria, one which preserves the unity and security of the nation and meets the needs of its citizens. Tunisia and Egypt seek to "encounter and traverse the risks facing the Arab and Islamic nations" together. Both parties called the developments at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque "unfortunate" and "unacceptable". Palestinians were banned on Sunday from entering the Old City. Both Tunisia and Egypt stressed that the Palestinian issue remains a priority. The Tunisian president called the discussions "successful", saying that both countries want to cooperate and build solidarity. Essebsi praised the agreements made in the15th Egyptian-Tunisian High Committee meeting in September which saw memorandums of understanding across sectors including health, agriculture, economics, and media. They were signed by Tunisian prime pinister Habib Essad and his then-counterpart Ibrahim Mahlab. Essebsi is expected to attend 6 October celebrations in Cairo after El-Sisi invited him. source: Ahram Online
