(Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs Handout)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry met with the Executive Committee of the Federation of Arab Journalists, where he addressed relations between Egypt and the federation and ways to develop them, enabling the federation to support joint Arab action as a key tool for coordination and communication among journalists in various Arab countries.
During the Tuesday meeting, Moayyed Ellami, head of the Iraqi Journalists’ Syndicate and Vice President of the Federation, praised Egyptian support for the Federation, stressing the centrality of the Egyptian role in working to restore stability to the region through helping Arab states to maintain national unity, according to a foreign ministry statement.
Ellami also praised Egypt’s Arab nationalist orientation in light of the current Egyptian leadership, and its support for other Arab countries, including Iraq.
Ellami cited Shoukry’s last visit to Iraq in mid-December where he met religious leaders and political forces to discuss Iraq’s unity, and its efforts to overcome the current circumstances.
Ellami called for the promotion of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Abdullah El-Baqali, head of the Federation in Morocco, praised Egypt’s regional role as the capital of Arabism, stressing that what happens in Egypt is of interest to all Arabs. He said that Egypt has a central position, which affects events in all Arab countries, praising the Egyptian political leadership and its “awareness”.
Financial Secretary of the Federation and Secretary General of the Journalists’ Syndicate in Egypt Karem Mahmoud commended the relationship between the Egyptian government and the Federation, expressing his aspiration for further support for the Federation’s headquarters in Cairo. He also praised the support received by the Federation from the Egyptian foreign ministry.
Shoukry stressed the importance of the role of the Federation of Arab Journalists in promoting joint Arab action, and stressed that Egypt will spare no effort to provide all possible support for the Federation and its headquarters to help it fulfil its role.
The meeting comes at a time of harsh criticism against the government for limiting media freedom in Egypt. At least 11 journalists are currently detained.
The Federation of Arab Journalists was established in 1964, and includes 19 syndicates. Its permanent headquarters is in Cairo.
