Al-Sisi, French and Italian leaders discuss Middle East issues

Egyptian president also held talks with Panama counterpart on cooperation between canals authorities

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met Monday with French president Francois Hollande in New York to discuss the improving bilateral relations between the two countries.
Al-Sisi thanked Hollande for facilitating the purchase of two French helicopter carriers, which was announced last week, according to a presidency statement.
The two leaders also discussed regional developments in the Middle East, affirming the importance of securing a sustainable compromise in the Palestinian issue.
Al-Sisi reiterated the importance of an inclusive political solution to the crisis in Syria that will preserve the country's unity. The president called for a prolonging of the Libyan parliament's term until fair elections are held, reiterating Egypt's support for the UN-led efforts to form a unity government in the North African country.
In a separate meeting with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Al-Sisi discussed the developmental partnership between the two countries.
Discussions on Libya took the largest part of the meeting, the presidency statement said, as Al-Sisi outlined the Egyptian stance on the issue with Renzi. Al-Sisi called for the lifting of an arms embargo which has been enforced on the Libyan army, and the prevention of funds for "extremist terrorist groups" in Libya.
Al-Sisi also met with Panama's president, Juan Carlos Varela, where the two leaders discussed cooperation between the Suez Canal Authority and the Panama Canal Authority.
The Egyptian president also met on Monday with Jordanian monarch, Abdullah II, and Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi.