Sisi, Chahed Discuss Libyan Crisis, Anti-Terrorism Coordination

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi speaks during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (unseen) at the El-Thadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, March 2, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi speaks during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (unseen) at the El-Thadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, March 2, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
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Sisi, Chahed Discuss Libyan Crisis, Anti-Terrorism Coordination

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi speaks during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (unseen) at the El-Thadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, March 2, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi speaks during a news conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (unseen) at the El-Thadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, March 2, 2017. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed underlined on Sunday the need to intensify efforts to reach a solution to the Libyan crisis that would guarantee the country’s sovereignty.

The two officials also reviewed mechanisms of communication and coordination in all issues, mainly in the fight against terrorism.

Bassam Radi, spokesman for the Egyptian presidency, said that the meeting tackled overall bilateral relations, as the two sides have agreed on the importance of working to develop cooperation, especially in the economic field, and boosting trade exchange.

The meeting also touched on the latest developments in Libya, according to Radi, who added that both Sisi and Chahed have emphasized the necessity to intensify efforts to find a comprehensive solution to the crisis, which would preserve the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as safeguarding the capabilities of its people and restoring security and stability.

The Egyptian president’s spokesman stressed the deep and historic ties between his country and Tunisia, which was recently translated in the holding of the meeting of the Joint Egyptian-Tunisian Higher Committee in Cairo last week.

The committee, which is co-chaired by the prime ministers of the two countries concluded its works on Sunday with a firm determination to bolster bilateral ties in all fields, according to Sisi, who highlighted the importance of following up the implementation of the agreements reached during the meetings.

Meanwhile, Tunisian Ambassador in Cairo Najib Munif said that relations between the two countries have witnessed in recent years “a qualitative shift in terms of communication and coordination in all files, especially in the fight against terrorism.”

“Terrorism is one of the key challenges in the region and we must face this scourge, which is rejected by Arab society and the Islamic religion,” Munif stated.

On the outcome of the Egyptian-Tunisian Business Forum, Munif said that the Forum for Investment and Economic Partnership gave full priority to economic cooperation between the two countries in all sectors and fields, including tourism, trade, industry and others.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.