German’s FM met Egypt’s Sisi and visited Al-Azhar Mosque

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited Egypt on Tuesday and met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The talks focused on the crisis in the region and human rights.

In addition to German-Egyptian relations, Maas discussed the civil war in Libya and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

The human rights situation in Egypt was an issue to raise as Al-Sisi’s government has been criticized.

Egypt is the last stop on Maas’s trip to North Africa which also included Libya and Tunisia.

Germany wants to organize a summit on Libya this year, hoping to get all key players to Berlin.

Egypt has repeatedly reiterated in the necessity of a political resolution for the crisis in Libya, and the rejection of foreign interference.

Haas said during his visit in Libya that he is seeking an end to all “foreign interference” in the country.

Libya has at least two competing administrations: the Government of National Accord (GNA), based in the capital Tripoli, and another in the eastern city of Tobruk allied with Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the self-styled Libyan National Army.

Egypt and Germany agreed to make a concerted mutual effort to generate a comprehensive solution to the Libyan crisis and thus contribute in eliminating terrorism, and given Berlin’s plans to hold a summit of the rival factions later this year.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, according to an Egyptian statement, and the pair discussed a number of regional issues of bilateral interest, including the Libyan and Syrian conflicts.

Both El-Sisi and Maas agreed on the need for a Libyan solution which would conserve the state’s resources and its national institutions, and limit foreign interference.

They also stressed the need to push ahead with a political solution to the Syrian crisis, with El-Sisi emphasising Egypt’s stance supporting a solution in Syria to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of the country.

Maas also met Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during the former’s two-day visit to Egypt.

At least 1,000 people have been killed in the escalated conflict as a result, and 120,000 others have been displaced, the World Health Organization has said.

On the Syrian conflict, the German foreign minister called for an extension to a six-day cease-fire in northeastern Syria. “It is now essential for guns to fall silent permanently,” he said.

“This war in Syria can only be resolved politically,” the minister said. “Every military success there, as big as it may be, will always remain a short-term one.”

Commenting on the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri following massive protests in Lebanon, Maas said he closely followed the situation, vowing to help achieve stability there.

He hoped that the resignation of the government wouldn’t lead to instability of the country, adding “we don’t need political vacuum right now in Lebanon.”

Maas and his accompanying delegation visit Al-Azhar. The German delegation toured Al-Azhar Mosque. They were received by Dr. Abdel Moneim Fouad, Professor of Faith and Philosophy at Al-Azhar University, and the general supervisor of scientific activities in Al-Azhar Gallery.

Fouad welcomed Maas explaining that the activities contained in the scientific corridors; provide what achieves the concepts of peace and moderation, which the contemporary world aspires.

For his part, the German FM expressed his appreciation to Al-Azhar and the efforts of his great wise imam in consolidating the values ​​of brotherhood and world peace, praising the ancient architectural style of Al-Azhar Mosque which sends messages to its visitors and visitors.