Terrorism a threat not just to India, Egypt but across the region: Narendra Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met visiting Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and noted that radicalization and increasing violence are threats not just to India and Egypt but also to other countries across the region.

Modi, meanwhile, described Egypt as a natural bridge between Asia and Africa.

Addressing a joint press conference with Al-Sisi, the PM said: "President and I are of one view that growing radicalization, increasing violence and spread of terror are real threats not just to our two countries but also to nations and communities across the region."

"In this context, we agree to further our defence and security engagements..." Modi said adding that the two countries have decided to expand defence trade, training, combat capacity building, and greater information exchange to combat terrorism.

 

The two countries are also cooperating in dealing with emerging challenges in cyber security, Modi said.

Modi praised Egypt`s role during its current term at the UN Security Council and welcomed Egypt`s partnership for the next week`s G-20 meet, which is to be held in Hangzou, China. 

"India appreciates the good work that Egypt has been doing during its current term in UNSC. Our decision to consult more closely on regional and global issues both at the UN and outside will benefit our common interests," Modi said. 

Following delegation-level talks here, Modi said: "As ancient and proud civilisations with rich cultural heritage, we (India and Egypt) decided to facilitate more people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges”.

Sisi arrived here on Thursday on a three-day official visit to India at the invitation of President Pranab Mukherjee.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on him in the evening, and during the meeting, Sisi described ties between Egypt and India as old and "very resilient".

Sisi will be hosted for a banquet by President Mukherjee on Friday evening.

This is the first presidential visit from Egypt to India since the visit of then President Mohamed Morsi in 2013.

(With IANS inputs)