(Photo from public domain)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with his Palestinian counterpart Mahmoud Abbas to discuss extremism, as well as the Palestinian issue.
The Palestinian President praised the speech Al-Sisi gave on the celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, in which the Egyptian president had called for a “religious revolution” through the renewal of religious discourse.
Abbas stated that the speech was a major discussion point between him and senior officials, who participated in the Paris march denouncing terrorist attacks on satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo.
Al-Sisi said the problem does not lie in a doctrine, but rather it lies in a school of thought that becomes sacred. It is not logical that a school of thought drives the “whole Ummah [Islamic nation] to become a source of concern, danger, murder and devastation across the world”.
Abbas pointed out to the growing realisation of many Western leaders concerning Al-Sisi’s warnings on the seriousness of the extremist ideology. He also noted the importance of strengthening international efforts to counter terrorism.
Al-Sisi also stressed the importance of reaching a just and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, to eliminate the motives of terrorist groups and organisations. He added that they would then no longer be able to destabilise the region, and to attract more people to its ranks from inside and outside the region.
Abbas discussed the repercussions of the Security Council’s rejection of the Arab draft for ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory which had been presented in December.
Al-Sisi said that actions should be taken to change the situation and give hope to the Palestinian people who want their legitimate rights.
