Sisi, Hailemariam confer on boosting bilateral cooperation

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi held talks Tuesday with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
Sisi thanked the Ethiopian prime minister for the warm welcome he received and brotherly relations that prevailed during his stay in Ethiopia, said presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef.
The president hailed as "deep" ties with Addis Ababa, stressing at the same time the need to solve disputes and start new relations based on joint and full understanding of developments in both countries, Youssef said.
Sisi said that the declaration of principles signed by Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia Monday contributed to building bridges of trust and understanding between the Ethiopian and Egyptian peoples, the spokesman further said.
The president stressed the need to sign more detailed agreements to explain the declaration that should be implemented in a way to achieve economic benefits for Ethiopia and not harm Egypt, Youssef added.
The spokesman made it clear that an agreement was reached during the meeting between Sisi and Hailemariam to form a ministerial committee under their direct supervision.
This committee will be tasked with studying the specifics of the declaration of principles with the aim to reach detailed agreements on all points, he noted.
The two leaders also discussed a number of regional and international issues concerning peace and security in Africa, Youssef said.
Sisi and Hailemariam agreed that terrorism constitutes a collective challenge that entails unified efforts to eliminate, Youssef added.
At the end of the meeting, Sisi invited Hailemariam to attend the inauguration of the New Suez Canal, the spokesman said, adding that the Ethiopian prime minister was happy to receive that invitation.
Hailemariam said he is looking forward to taking part in such historic event, Youssef noted.