Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi discussed on Wednesday with his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa issues related to illegal migration in addition to the latest developments in Libya. 

President El-Sisi lauded the distinguished bilateral ties binding the two countries, expressing his keenness to continue cooperation with Portugal in various fields and maintain close interaction to enhance bilateral relations and benefit from the available potentials and opportunities, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said.

The Portuguese president expressed his country's appreciation for the Egyptian leadership and people, affirming the deeply-rooted friendship between the two countries.

The Portuguese president also voiced his country's keenness on pushing forward bilateral relations with Egypt.

De Sousa asserted that Portugal is keen on intensified coordination and consultation with Egypt, hailing Cairo's role in laying the foundations of stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean regions. 

De Sousa also commended Egypt's role in countering terrorism and extremist thought as well as illegal migration.

The meeting also tackled means of developing bilateral relations.

The two leaders discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, mainly those pertaining to illegal migration and developments in Libya, with President El-Sisi discussing Egypt's efforts to achieve a political settlement in Libya.