Egypt reiterates support of Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS

Ahram Online , Monday 28 Jun 2021

Shoukry said Egypt’s comprehensive approach is not limited to the security dimension but also takes into consideration the ideological aspect

Egypt
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry takes part in the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed on Monday Egypt’s commitment to supporting the efforts of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS through adopting a multidimensional counter-terrorism approach.

Delivering a speech at the ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Italy's Rome, Shoukry said Egypt’s comprehensive approach is not limited to the security dimension but also takes into consideration the ideological aspect, a statement by the foreign ministry read.

This approach includes reforming and renewing the religious discourse and dismantling the fallacious discourse which the terrorist organisations rely on, the top Egyptian diplomat explained.

Shoukry referenced the role of Egypt’s Al-Azhar in refuting the false interpretations of religious texts and in interpreting them in a way that goes in line with the true Islamic teachings.

Shoukry said the Islamic State still represents a real threat in spite of the success achieved in liberating wide areas that had fallen under the control of the terrorist group in Iraq and Syria.

He highlighted the need to support the efforts made by the coalition’s member states in eradicating the threat ISIS poses.

The Egyptian FM reiterated the country’s determination to eradicate all terrorist groups that adopt the ideologies and goals of ISIS.

He also stressed Egypt’s full commitment to the coalition’s goals and support of the efforts to restore stability in and reconstruct Iraq and Syria.

Shoukry expressed Egypt's concern about the growing activities of ISIS-affiliated groups in some African areas, voicing commitment to enhancing cooperation with African countries to counter terrorism.

The Egyptian authorities, especially the president, have frequently called for reforming the religious discourse as a way to combat terrorism, especially as the country has witnessed many terrorist attacks targeting Christian and Muslim worshippers as well as security and army personnel since 2013.

The Global Coalition against ISIS was formed in September 2014 to dismantle the group's networks and economic infrastructure, prevent the flow of foreign terrorist fighters across borders, and support the stability and restoration of essential public services of areas liberated from ISIS.

The ministerial meeting of the 83-member coalition is co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio.

The foreign ministers of the member states are meeting to discuss efforts to continue the pressure against the ISIS remnants especially in Iraq, Syria, and Africa.

The meeting, according to the US Embassy in Italy, is also assessing priorities for the coalition on stabilisation, foreign terrorist fighters, and counter-ISIS financing.

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