Israel FM: ‘We want to prevent strengthening extremist elements and ensure return of missing Israelis’

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi confirmed on Sunday that his visit to Egypt aimed to return the missing Israeli soldiers and stop the strengthening of the Palestinian resistance.

The Israeli official also confirmed that he discussed with his Egyptian counterpart economic and trade cooperation, among other issues.

After completing a meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Ashkenazi posted on Twitter: “Ending an important official visit to Egypt as a guest of FM #SamehShoukry. We discussed enhancing economic and trade cooperation, including the renewal of direct flights between our countries.”

He also wrote: “Egypt is an important regional ally, committed to security and stability, and the maintenance and expansion of peace in the region.”

The Israeli minister, who posted his tweets in Arabic, Hebrew and English, wrote: “We all need to act to prevent strengthening extremist elements that threaten regional stability, and to ensure the return home of the missing persons and prisoners held by Hamas.”

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