Sisi, Nazarbayev share identical views

Visiting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed that they share identical views, a matter that would bolster bilateral cooperation in various domains.

In a joint statement issued Sunday at the end of Sisi's visit to Kazakhstan, the two leaders underlined the importance of dialogue and coordinating efforts to settle regional problems.

The statement said Sisi's visit to Kazakhstan from February 26 through 28 reflects keenness of both countries to enhance bilateral cooperation to realize progress, promote regional and international security and underline the principles of equality, partnership and dialogue in international relations.

During the visit, the two leaders discussed a raft of cooperation issues in the political, economic and humanitarian scores as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern, read the statement.

The agreements signed between the two sides will open a new chapter in the Egyptian-Kazakh relations, the statement said.

In response to the Kazakh president's initiative on holding a conference of religious leaderships to promote dialogue among religions and civilizations, Egypt announced its desire to continue participating in efforts being exerted in this regard.

The Egyptian side also hailed the Kazakh president's overture on establishing the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) in Astana, the statement said, noting Egypt's inked the IOFS charter. 

The two sides agreed on enhancing mutual cooperation within the framework of the organization.

Egypt also plans to participate in Expo 2017 to be held in Astana under the theme of future energy.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan pledged to support Egypt's request to be a dialogue partner at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

The Kazakh side also apprised the Egyptian leader of its vision on establishing an Asian organization for security and development.

The two leaders also addressed vital international issues and agreed to cement cooperation in fighting international terror and religious extremism.

Kazakhstan stressed support for the Egyptian government and Azhar in combating religious extremism and radicalism, the statement said, referring to Sisi's call to develop religious discourse in response to current threats aiming at smearing the true image of Islam.

Egypt stressed commitment to combating terror and propping up all initiatives in this regard, particularly the Kazakh president's initiative on establishing a United Nations anti-terror alliance.

Kazakhstan expressed gratitude to Egypt for backing a United Nations resolution on a world free from nuclear weapons.

Egypt and Kazakhstan regretted the failure of the 9th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) .

Both countries were disappointed that the conference failure hamstrung taking new measures to render the Middle East free from nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction.

Meanwhile, the two countries agreed on giving momentum to trade and economic cooperation, urging the joint business council to hold its fourth session within the framework of Sisi's visit.

Kazakhstan welcomed Egypt's desire to join the free trade zone agreement of the Eurasian Economic Union.

The two sides agreed on the importance of inking a dual taxation evasion deal.

The two sides also agreed on fostering cooperation in the fields of security and defense.

The statement also added that direct flights between the two sides will be resumed.

The two sides also agreed on establishing culture centers and promoting cooperation between educational and scientific institutions of both sides.

At the end of the visit, President Sisi invited his Kazakh counterpart to visit Egypt, and Nazarbayev pledged to meet the invitation as soon as possible.

Source: MENA