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Charge dâ€™ Affaires of Egypt: â€œWhile fanaticism and extremism are gaining grounds in other parts of the world, Azerbaijan has become a model to be followedâ€

27 August 2014 15:14 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Rufat Ahmadzadeh – APA. Charge d’ Affaires of Egypt to Azerbaijani Haitham Galal’s interview to APA

– Egypt performs the role of mediator between Israel and Palestine. Though negotiations are still tense and sluggish, the restoration of peace in the region is hopeless. What are the problems?

– First of all, Egypt is relentlessly supporting the inalienable rights of the Palestinians to establish their free, independent and sovereign state in accordance with the international legitimacy and the two states solution. The Palestinian cause has always been part of Egypt’s national security and Egypt didn’t spare any efforts and offered many sacrifices to protect the Palestinian people. Egypt’s role in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is indispensable and irreplaceable, Egypt is working on bridging the gaps between both sides and we hope to reach an acceptable compromise soon in order to stop the ongoing confrontations. Egypt has succeeded in reaching a temporary ceasefire between both parties but it was violated due to suspicions and mistrust... still more efforts are needed to reach durable ceasefire and to put an end to the constant suffering of the Palestinian people.

– What is the attitude of the official Cairo towards the processes reigned in Iraq and Syria?

– Egypt is following with concern the latest development in Iraq and Syria and we regret seeing more bloodshed in both great countries with their rich history and civilization. Therefore, Egypt is supporting international and regional efforts with a view to respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of both countries and endorsing a political solution to both crises. We are also supporting all international efforts to eliminate the terrorist groups in both countries, putting into consideration that terrorism has no boundaries and it will not be limited within the border of one country or another.

– What Egypt won and lost after the revolution? What are the level of restoration and reforms in Egypt at present?

– Well, Egypt has witnessed two popular revolutions within two years. The first on January 25th, 2011 which toppled stubborn corrupted regime and the second on June 30th, 2013 which ousted the fanatic regime of the Muslim Brothers, so we can say that in the last 3 years Egypt was facing corruption and fanaticism. After the 30th June, 2013, it’s obvious that Egypt has embarked on a new phase in its long history with high hopes for more achievements and prosperity. Still, Egypt is going through a transitional period full of ups and downs, but the Egyptians are very determinant to move forward and to achieve wide reforms and development in all spheres.

– What is the difference between the previous and current authority of Egypt?

– The difference is very simple. It is a difference between fanatic ideology of the Muslim Brothers and the patriotic spirit and objectivity of the new regime. The newly-elected president has received a massive strong support from the sweeping majority of Egyptians, the government is working on implementing vital and tangible reforms in all walks of life.

– How are the relations between Azerbaijan and Egypt after revolutions?

– Well, the relations between Egypt and Azerbaijan are based on common history and culture, mutual respect and eagerness for more positive cooperation in all spheres owing to the large potentials of both countries, so the bilateral relations are not only dependant on names... Egypt is following with admiration the sustainable developments and the impressive achievements in Azerbaijan. I would like also to mention with appreciation the spirit of tolerance and coexistence between different religions in Azerbaijan, while fanaticism and extremism are gaining grounds in other parts of the world, therefore Azerbaijan has become a model to be followed. Egypt was among the first countries to recognize the independence and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and to open an Embassy in Baku in 1992, in addition to offering all possible support and assistance to Azerbaijan after gaining its independence. Egypt is endorsing all international resolutions of the UN Security Council and the International Organizations stressing the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. We hope that the ongoing mediation efforts of Minsk group will reach peaceful and fair settlement of such protracted conflict, in order to achieve stability and prosperity in the region.

– How are the relations in the field of Culture-science?

The Egyptian cultural center in Baku is serving as a bridge to promote the cultural ties between the two countries. The Cultural relations between Egypt and Azerbaijan are very positive and there is an exchange of visits between the officials in both countries in order to boost the cultural ties. For example last June, Baku hosted the Egyptian Cultural Days and next year Cairo will host the Azeri Cultural Days. Recently, there’s a mutual cooperation to promote tourist exchange and there’s a plan to operate a charter flights between Baku and the prestigious red sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurgada.