Damascus, (ST) – Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Monday arrived in Damascus to affirm his country’s solidarity with Syria in the face of the repercussions of the earthquake
He was welcomed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faisal Al- Mikdad at Damascus International Airport.
Following a meeting with President Bashar Al-Assad, Al-Mikdad and Shoukry held a press conference during which Al- Mikdad said “when the Foreign Minister of Egypt visits Damascus; this means that he visits his home, his family and his country.”
Egypt, as a leadership and people, has played a major role in assisting Syria in facing the catastrophic consequences of the earthquake, Al-Mikdad added.
Al-Mikdad pointed out that the assistance provided by Egypt expresses the solidarity of the Egyptian people with their Syrian brothers.
Al-Mikdad also highly appreciated the stance of the Egyptian people and leadership on receiving the Syrians who were forced to leave their country because of the terrorist war.
For his part, Shoukri said “I am happy to visit Syria. I had the honor to meet President Bashar Al-Assad and convey to him a message from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to affirm Egypt’s solidarity with Syria its readiness to continue supporting the Syrians in facing the repercussions of the earthquake.
Shoukry affirmed that the Syrian people enjoy the respect and love of the Egyptian people, who felt pain and grief for what befell Syria as a result of the earthquake, pointing out that Egypt rushed to provide aid to Syria to overcome the effects of the disaster and has so far provided more than 1,500 tons of aid.
He added that Egypt will continue to support its brothers in Syria and provide what they need of humanitarian support.
The Foreign Minister of Egypt pointed out that his country has been coordinating with the Syrian government in this field since the first days of the earthquake.
He tressed that the relations between the Egyptian and Syrian peoples are fraternal, strong and solid, and that Egypt voices solidarity with Syria and supports it in facing the challenges. He expressed his country’s hope that Syria will overcome the effects of the earthquake as soon as possible.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ahmed Abu Zeid affirmed in a statement yesterday that the visit aims to convey a message of solidarity from Egypt to Syria and its brotherly people following the catastrophe of the earthquake that left heavy losses. He indicated that Shoukry will confirm Egypt’s permanent readiness to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake, and that Egypt can never be late to support its brotherly countries.
K.Q./ R.Sawas