Sisi discusses combating extremism with Saudi intelligence chief

Egypt President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi yesterday met with Khaled Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz, the chief of Saudi General Intelligence, in Cairo, the Anadolu Agency reported.

According to a statement issued by the Egyptian presidency the two discussed “ways to support and strengthen bilateral relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in all fields and the latest regional developments particularly in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen”.

The statement said the meeting emphasised Al-Azhar’s “pivotal role and its contribution to effectively correcting the erroneous notions about Islam and rejecting extremism and destructive ideas as well as the importance of providing all means of support and assistance to it to be able to perform its mission to the fullest.”

In terms of the fight against terrorism, the two sides agreed on the importance of working to correct the prevailing image of Islam and to show its true nature of tolerance that rejects violence and extremism and calls for moderation and acceptance of others.

Saudi Arabia has been among the leading countries to help Egypt after the overthrow of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi on July 3, 2013.

According to the Egyptian Ministry of Finance data, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait provided Egypt with aid worth $17.6 billion.