Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and US Secretary of State John Kerry discussed developing bilateral ties between Egypt and the United States in a meeting on Tuesday. A statement by Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two sides discussed future cooperation in confronting terrorism, specifically the Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham (ISIS). Shoukry asserted the threat of terrorism, describing it as a global phenomenon that requires confrontation through international and regional collaboration. Shoukry and Kerry discussed regional issues, including the situation in Libya after the formation of the new government. They addressed the importance of the role of Libya's neighbouring countries in restoring security and stability in the country. The two sides additionally discussed the situations inside Syria and Iraq. Shoukry and Kerry's meeting was held on the sidelines of the 69th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On Tuesday the Egyptian foreign minister participated in the 5th Global Counterterrorism Forum, held on the sidelines of the UNGA. He also participated in a meeting of Arab foreign ministers. The ministers addressed the Palestinian issue and the ongoing preparatory meetings being held for the conference on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, scheduled to be held in Cairo next month. Shoukry presented Egypt's position on the situation in Libya, Yemen, and confronting terrorist groups including ISIS. During his trip to New York, Shoukry met with several counterparts including the foreign ministers of Cyprus, Greece, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Portugal, Slovakia, North Korea, Eritrea, South Sudan, India, Brazil, Albania, and Lithuania.
