French, Egypt FMs discuss region issues in Paris

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian received here Friday his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukri for in-depth talks on bilateral but mainly regional issues, including the Syrian, Libyan and Palestinian issues, an official statement said.
Concerning Libya, the two officials “welcomed the progress in the mediation” that is taking place in Tunis under the aegis of UN Special Representative Ghassan Salame, the French Foreign Ministry said.
Le Drian and Shoukri also reiterated their “full support” for the settlement plan for Libya that was presented at the UN General Assembly in September.
They also called on all Libyan parties “to join in this dynamic.”
The Foreign Ministers also discussed a French proposal to create a “Contact Group” to boost the chances of getting peace in Syria and France and Egypt said they “shared the aim… of a political solution to the Syrian conflict.”
Le Drian, on his side, expressed “appreciation” for the ongoing Egyptian initiative that is fostering inter-Palestinian reconciliation, and he “praised the early results obtained.”
France’s chief diplomat also praised the improvement in bilateral relations between Paris and Cairo and he welcomed the economic reforms that are being put in place by the Egyptian government.
A discussion was also held on the potential for “high level” visits on both sides in the near future.