Egypt’s foreign minister has arrived in Damascus, the first such visit by a top Egyptian diplomat since the country’s foreign-sponsored militancy began more than a decade ago.
Sameh Shoukry met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad at the presidential palace on Monday, expressing his country’s solidarity with Syria and readiness to continue assisting Syrians in the aftermath of the February 6 earthquake, according to Syria’s official news agency SANA.
He also sent Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-greetings Sisi’s to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and asked for the ongoing development of the two countries’ long-established and friendly relations.
Shoukry highlighted Cairo-Damascus relations as critical for protecting the Arab world from potential threats and challenges, emphasizing that Egypt will always support any initiative that can aid Syria and serves the interests of all Syrians.
For his part, Assad emphasized the historical significance of Syrian-Egyptian relations, adding that strengthening diplomatic relationships among Arab countries will really enhance Arabs’ living standards.
He also praised Egypt’s gracious reception of Syrian migrants following the onset of the foreign-backed crisis in his country, saying that such action demonstrates the two countries’ already strong connections.
“The goal of the visit is primarily humanitarian, and to pass on our solidarity – from the leadership, the government and the people of Egypt to the people of Syria,” Sameh Shoukry told reporters upon arrival in Damascus.
Egypt was looking forward to providing more quake assistance “in full coordination with the Syrian government,” after already having donated some 1,500 tons so far, Shoukry added, standing alongside his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad.
“When the foreign minister of Egypt comes to Damascus, he comes to his home, his people, and his country,” Mekdad said.
The development comes only a day after several Arab parliament speakers and high-level legislators arrived in Damascus to restore Syria’s membership in the Arab League, which was suspended nearly 12 years ago due to the country’s foreign-sponsored conflict.
The lawmakers were received by Syria’s Speaker of the People’s Assembly Hammouda Sabbagh, who stated that Syria’s return to the Arab diplomatic fold is crucial for any joint Arab action to confront current challenges and crises.
Calls for Syria’s return to the Arab League have grown stronger after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier this month.
Iraqi Council of Representatives Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi on Saturday urged all Arab countries to adopt a final decision on Syria’s return to the Arab diplomatic fold, while Jordanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi stressed the importance of Syria’s return to the Arab League to act as an active and effective member in decision-making.
Last week, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad visited Oman and met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said.
Oman was one of the few Arab states to maintain diplomatic ties with Damascus after the breakout of the foreign-backed militancy in the Arab country in March 2011, in spite of pressure from the United States and other Persian Gulf allies.
Press Tv
