Egypt ready to support Iraq's reconciliationin, fight against ISIL - FM

BAGHDAD, Dec 17 (KUNA) - Visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has said his country is ready to help Baghdad achieve national reconciliation, as well as in the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Shoukry made the statement in a meeting with Iraqi President Fuad Masum in Baghdad on Wednesday.
Receiving Shoukry and an accompanying delegation, Masum said: "Military and Security Cooperation between Iraq and Egypt is needed and of prior importance at present to face challenges of terrorism," according to a presidential statement.
He also referred to bilateral cooperation in fields like investment and labor, besides exchange of expertise.
"Iraqis regard Egypt as a sisterly state qualified to play a vital role in rebuilding the Iraqi armed forces," the President said.
Masum noted that his country is eager to bolster ties with all neighboring states on terms of mutual interests to achieve security and stability in the region that faces threats imposed by "terrorism and extremist gangs." For his part, Shoukry stressed Cairo readiness to promote bilateral cooperation and help Iraqis realize their goals of national unity and maintaining the country's security and integrity against the ISIL that also poses threat to the region and the world. (pickup previous) mhg.msa