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Al-Sisi asserts importance of upholding values of religious coexistence Egyptian President tells French Foreign Minister that there is a need to extend bridges of understanding, and not to insult religious symbols
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi asserted, on Sunday, the urgent need to unite all efforts to uphold the values of coexistence and tolerance among all religious faiths. During his meeting with French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, who is currently visiting Cairo, Al-Sisi said there is a need to extend bridges of understanding and brotherhood, and not to insult religious symbols. The Egyptian president also expressed his complete rejection of terrorist acts in all their forms, or linking any religion to acts of violence and extremism. Egyptian Presidency Spokesperson Bassam Rady said that the meeting between Al-Sisi and Le Drian tackled various issues, including joint cooperation as part of the strategic bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. The two officials also reviewed ways to enhance efforts to confront the escalation of extremism and hatred in light of the recent tension between the Islamic world and Europe, Rady added. Meanwhile, Le Drian affirmed France's respect and appreciation for all religions, as well as their principles and values. He noted his country's aspiration to strengthen cooperation and consultation with Egypt to combat intolerance and the spreading extremist ideology. He also hailed Egypt's efforts, under President Al-Sisi's leadership, to achieve understanding and dialogue between people of all religions. Rady pointed out that the meeting witnessed further discussions on the latest developments in the Libyan issue, with the Egyptian President reviewing his country's position towards Libya. This includes support for the current discussions based on the conclusions of the Berlin Conference and the Cairo Declaration. Moreover, Le Drian lauded Egypt's important role in resolving the Libyan crisis, and the Al-Sisi's personal efforts in this regard. The meeting also witnessed an exchange of views and perspectives on the developments of some regional files of common interest, including the Eastern Mediterranean and Syria crisis. Both sides have agreed to intensifying coordination and consultation to address the situation.
