Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs meets Mr. Sameh Shoukry Foreign Minister of Egypt and Prince Turki Al Fasial, Chairman King Faisal Foundations and Centre for Research & Islamic Studies, Saudi Arabia

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Mr. Sartaj Aziz held bilateral meetings with Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Foreign Minister of Egypt and Prince Turki Al Fasial, Chairman King Faisal Centre for Research & Islamic Studies of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of ‘Manama Security Dialogue – 12th Regional Security Summit’, in Manama, Bahrain.

Building on traditional relations between Pakistan and Egypt, Mr. Sartaj Aziz and Mr. Sameh Shoukry agreed to revitalize ties in economic, trade and investment sectors, for the mutual benefit of the two countries. It was decided to convene the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) at an early date in Islamabad to undertake a comprehensive overview of ongoing cooperation and set future directions. The two sides welcomed the outcome of Bilateral Political Consultations held in May this year in Cairo, which provided a useful mechanism of consultations to closely coordinate respective positions on regional and international issues.

Mr. Sartaj Aziz and Mr. Sameh Shoukry also discussed the situation in the Middle East and threats faced by Islamic Ummah from the evil forces of sectarianism, terrorism and extremism. Mr. Shoukry praised the efforts of Pakistan in counterterrorism. He also appreciated close cooperation between Egypt and Pakistan at the United Nations and other multilateral forums. The two sides agreed to closely coordinate their respective positions on Security Council Reform and to support each other’s candidatures for various UN bodies.

Adviser Sartaj Aziz also met Prince Turki Al Fasial, Chairman King Faisal Foundation and Centre for Research & Islamic Studies, Saudi Arabia. Prince Turki, as an old friend of Pakistan, recalled fondly his visits to Pakistan and interactions with Pakistani leadership. As founder of King Faisal Foundation, Prince Turki is overseeing various educational and philanthropic projects. Mr. Aziz proposed joint programmes between King Faisal Foundation and Pakistani Universities in the field of de-radicalization, which was welcomed. Prince Turki also conveyed his warm greetings to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Sartaj Aziz is in Bahrain for a two day visit to attend the ‘Manama Security Dialogue – 12th Regional Security Summit’, being held in Manama from 10-11 December 2016.

Islamabad
11 December 2016

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