Shoukry Says Terrorism Has No Religion, Only Serves Political Goals

On Sunday, Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, said that the recent terrorist acts in France aim to destabilize and accomplish political goals, stressing that such attacks have no ties to Islam as a religion.

These remarks came during a joint press conference between Shoukry and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, who is visiting Cairo for the 19th time since assuming senior posts in 2012.

During the talks, the two top diplomats also tackled the crises in Palestine, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Iraq.

Shoukry added that he had discussed with Le Drian all ways of enhancing stability and the joint efforts between the two countries in combating  terrorism and condemning all terrorist acts.

"Egypt’s position has remained unwavering since the start of the crisis in Libya, highlighting the importance of a Libyan-Libyan resolution to the crisis," Shoukry confirmed.

Shoukry said that Egypt is continuing to coordinate with France to meet the interests of the Libyan people, adding that Cairo’s action of designating red lines in Sirte and Al-Jufra in Libya has led to a de-escalation of fighting in the country.

On his part,  the French FM stressed his country’s “deep respect” for Islam, following comments that were recently made by the French president that sparked controversy in much of the Muslim world.

He also affirmed his country’s respect for the religion of Islam.

Le Drian added that France’s respect for Islam will also be conveyed during an upcoming meeting with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb.

Le Drian said that Muslims in France are part of French history and identity.

The French FM’s visit comes following an uproar and condemnation of comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron on Islam, as well as calls to boycott French products after Macron defended people’s right to make images of the Prophet Muhammad, something which is forbidden in Islam.

In October, a suspected Islamist decapitated a French teacher for showing during his class cartoons of the Prophet that were made by French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. The attack was strongly condemned by Egypt, Al-Azhar, and Muslims worldwide.