Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Monday that Egypt has ever borne the responsibility of fighting the forces of darkness and terrorism throughout history. 

 

Shoukry made the statement while participating as the head of the Egyptian delegation to the first Ancient Civilizations Forum, which kicked off in Athens on Monday.

 

The member states participating in the forum are Greece, China, Bolivia, Egypt, India, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Mexico and Peru.

 

Shoukry pointed to Egypt as a crossroads of civilisations and a melting pot of religions, highlighting the presence of diverse peoples settling here throughout history.  

 

On Egypt's newly formed national council to fight terrorism and extremism in the country -- formed after this month's Palm Sunday suicide bombings on cathedrals in Tanta and Alexandria -- Shoukry said the body represents an important step in countering poisoned ideologies and encouraging peaceful coexistence. 

 

The Egyptian foreign minister also held meetings with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Chinese FM Wang Yi on the sidelines of the forum.