President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi received Wednesday a delegation from German Bundestag’s Egypt Friendship Group to discuss enhanced cooperation across various fields, in light of chancellor Angela Markel’s visit to Egypt in March.

“The President affirmed that the regional and international conditions and the challenges they pose to Egypt and Germany require that the two countries strengthen cooperation and coordination, especially at the parliamentary level,” a presidential statement read.

Al-Sisi noted that Egypt appreciates the efforts of German parliament members to promote Egyptian-German cooperation and implement what has been agreed on during Merkel’s visit to further boost the two countries’ partnership.

The meeting reviewed progress made in security and stability in Egypt, in light of growing terrorist threats in the region, as well as the bold measures taken to put the Egyptian economy on the right track.

For his part, Al-Sisi further affirmed that Egypt is keen on striking the right balance between protecting basic freedoms and human rights, as well as maintaining security and stability and not harming the citizens’ economic and social rights.

The president referred to counter-terrorism efforts and stressed “the need to truly understand Islam and rectify misconceptions that are being misused to realise political targets,” the statement said. This is in addition to upholding the values of equality and acceptance of the other.

The president highlighted the role of Egyptian women in the parliament and their active participation, noting that Egyptian women have borne many responsibilities to protect their country.