BARCELONA, Spain, Oct 8 , 2018 (MENA) - Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed on Monday with his Spanish counterpart Josep Borrell boosting bilateral ties at all levels and a number of regional issues of mutual interest. On the sidelines of the 3rd Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), held in Barcelona, Shoukry commended the distinguished ties with Spain, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said in a statement. The Egyptian top diplomat voiced his interest in continuing coordination and co-operation between the two Mediterranean countries at regional and international events and forums. During the meeting, Shoukry said that Cairo is keen on upgrading co-operation with Madrid at various levels, developing economic relations and increasing the volume of trade exchange. The foreign minister called for increasing the number of Spanish tourists visiting Egypt which rose by 56 per cent in 2017. He also pointed to the importance of reaching a comprehensive solution for the Libyan crisis and the problems of illegal immigration, and terrorism. In the meantime, Borrell was interested in listening to Egypt's vision on a number of regional issues of joint concern topped by the situation in Libya.