Cairo counts on close anti-terror co-operation with Russia - Egyptian foreign minister

CAIRO, February 24. /TASS/. Egypt hopes to develop close co-operation with Russia in the fight against terrorism, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said in an interview with TASS on Tuesday in the run-up to his visit to Moscow. "Russia and Egypt, which know firsthand what terrorism is and have suffered from it, have a clear-cut approach to this problem," he said. "Our countries are currently facing threats associated with attempts to undermine stability at both regional and international levels, which are directly related to terrorism. Of course, we must develop close co-operation, which is natural for our countries, maintaining strong ties." According to the foreign minister, he referred to political interaction between Cairo and Moscow through various international organisations. "This is necessary for developing a common approach with Russia and other countries to counter the dangerous phenomenon by advancing these issues in the international arena, including through these organisations," he said. "The cultural and educational component is also important, as well as the need to reconsider approaches to religious preaching, which has a certain influence," said the minister. "In addition, we must do everything to deprive terrorists of their sources of financing, as well as the possibility of recruiting new supporters, including foreign militants, prevent in every possible way their movement between countries and penetration into conflict zones." According to Shoukry, "direct co-operation in the exchange of information, in particular, surveillance over criminals with the use of available technical capabilities is an important aspect." "Russia has major experience and lots of opportunities in this sphere, which can be very useful to Egypt," he added. "Moscow and Cairo are united on combating terrorism, we have similar positions on fighting this evil, and the fight should be comprehensive and cover all the terrorist groups in the world, because they all share a single ideology, no matter how they call themselves," said the Egyptian foreign minister. "They have one purpose - to undermine stability and to seize control over as many territories as possible to intimidate the local population and suppress their will." Meanwhile, Shoukry said that "terrorists go to the regions affected by political instability, which plays into their hands." "In this regard, the fight against them should first of all focus on resolving the existing political problems that create the fertile ground for terror," he said. Read more