Egyptian FM discusses counter-terrorism efforts with US coalition envoy in Cairo

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held talks with Brett McGurk, the US special envoy to the coalition against Islamic State, in Cairo on Wednesday, to discuss US-Egyptian coordination on counter-terrorism.Shoukry and McGurk discussed efforts to defeat Daesh in Iraq, the post-defeat phase and how authorities can continue to hold ground. The two officials also discussed the fight against terrorism and Daesh militants in Syria. Shoukry emphasised the importance of “battling all terrorist organisations and boosting cooperation between members of the US-led coalition to curb activities related to the financing and backing of terrorism”, warning against an incomplete defeat of terrorist groups. The pair also discussed means to bolster US-Egyptian cooperation. Egypt is the current representative of Arab countries on the Security Council and is also the current chair of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee at the council.