Egypt supports the unity and sovereignty of Iraq over all territories, the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi affirmed during a meeting with Iraqi foreign minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari and Sunni Endowment president Diwan Abdul Latif.
Al-Sisi added that Egypt recognises the grave challenges Iraq is facing, “namely terrorism and extremism”. Attempts to provoke division among Iraqis from different sects and ethnicities must be prevented so as to uphold national interests and citizenship, the president said.
Al-Jaafari emphasised the solid relations between the two countries and their peoples and stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation. He also presented the Iraqi army’s efforts in countering terrorism.
He also lauded Egypt’s key role as a cornerstone for security and stability in the Arab world and as a supporter of Arab unity and solidarity, in addition to its efforts to combat terrorism and realise development.
Both sides reviewed security and political developments in Iraq as well as ongoing efforts in counter-terrorism efforts as well as the fight against Islamic State (IS).
Iraqi officials added that IS propaganda is spreading false news about the process of liberating Iraqi cities, in order to increase division among Iraqis. They also affirmed that all Iraqis stand united in the face of terrorism and stressed the important role of Al-Azhar in combating extremism, as a notable institution that commands the respect of the entire Islamic world.
Civilians must be protected during the liberation of Iraqi cities, Al-Sisi said. He stated that Egypt welcomes strengthening cooperation in various fields to support Iraq.
The Iraqi army is fighting IS militias in order to restore the city of Falluja, which is considered a stronghold of the notorious extremist group in Iraq.
