Close Consultation with Egypt ‘indispensable’, says German FM

Germany’s foreign minister said he wants to see for himself a picture of Egypt’s political transition which started in 2011, on Saturday evening ahead of kicking off a two-day visit to the North African country.

As the “largest country in the Arab world”, Egypt has a fundamental responsibility on the road to achieving stability in the Middle East, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a statement posted on the website of the German embassy in Cairo.

“Therefore close consultation with Egypt is indispensable in the journey of finding solutions to deep crises in the region, starting with Libya, through Syria and reaching Yemen,” Steinmeier said.

Steinmeier is visiting Cairo on Sunday and Monday for “political talks” and is due to meet with Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, the statement read.

He is also slated to meet with representatives from political parties and from the civil society.

Internally, the German foreign minister said Egypt must deal with “real terrorist threats” as well as the social and economic needs of a young and fast growing population. Germany and Europe must thus support Egypt in overcoming these challenges.

Among the important components to achieving this end, are political and economic participation on the largest possible scales and respect for civil and social rights, Steinmeier added.

The foreign minister said he would also like to know the perceptions Sisi may have for reconciliation and stability after years of “severe” political disagreement inside Egypt.

Source: Aswat Masriya