CAIRO: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi met Wednesday with the UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura to discuss regional and international efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis.
During the meeting, Sisi underscored Egypt’s “unyielding position” on the Syrian crisis since the beginning of the conflict, and the need for an international “comprehensive approach” to reach a political, rather than military settlement, according to a Wednesday presidential statement.
Once a political settlement is reached, Sisi added that the terrorist groups there should be eliminated to “encourage Syrian refugees to return to their country.”
The presidency also stated that Mistura noted Egypt’s influence both regionally and internationally will be further enhanced with its ascension to the U.N. Security Council as a non-permanent member.
The envoy underlined the importance of drafting a “swift and effective action” to solve refugee crisis and the rise of Daesh (Islamic State group) and Al-Nusra Front, as well as prevent the expansion of the deteriorating situation in Syria to other parts of the world.