Shoukry, Pedersen Stress Necessity of Confronting Terrorists in Syria

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry discussed in a telephone call on Sunday the latest developments in Syria with the UN special envoy to Syria Geir Pedersen.

Ahmed Hafez, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, stated that the minister discussed with Pedersen ways to advance the political settlement of the Syrian crisis, and stressed Egypt's support of resolving the Syrian crisis in a way that preserves the unity of Syria and the independence of its national decisions, in light of Cairo's communication with the moderate Syrian opposition to continue pushing for an end to the war in Syria.

Shoukry also reiterated Egypt's emphasis on the necessity of decisively confronting terrorist and extremist organizations and their regional supporters.

The spokesperson added that the UN envoy briefed Shoukry on the results of his negotiations with various parties related to the Syrian crisis, as well as emphasizing that efforts should be supported to move the political process forward in its various tracks.

During the call, the UN envoy expressed his appreciation for Cairo's balanced and supportive role in the settlement efforts, and his keenness to maintain continuous coordination with Egypt in this regard.

Both sides hoped that the political process would progress in the next phase, including positive developments in the work of the Constitutional Committee, leading to the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2254 so that the brotherly Syrian people could aspire to a more stable future after nearly a decade from the war start in Syria.