Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi in Cairo on Sunday evening to discuss means to strengthen bilateral relations and promote joint regional efforts, state-run MENA news agency reported.

Arriving from Saudi Arabia, the Iraqi official and his accompanying delegation were received by Egypt's Prime Minister Sherif Ismail at Cairo International Airport.

In their meeting, President El-Sisi congratulated Al-Abadi on the Iraqi army's recent victories against the Daesh militant organization.

He also emphasized the necessity of strengthening relations between the two fraternal countries, expressing Egypt's desire to promote bilateral cooperation between Cairo and Baghdad in various endeavors.

The Iraqi Prime Minister likewise expressed his country's interest in doing so, in order that both nations may achieve their aspirations.

He expressed appreciation for Egypt's support for his country, and the importance of Egypt's role as the main pillar of security and stability in the Arab world.

Al-Abadi also extended condolences from his government and people for the victims of the terrorist shootout that took place on Friday in Egypt's Western Desert, stressing the need for combined regional and international efforts to eradicate the roots of terrorism.

In light of the unprecedented challenges facing Arab nations, the two leaders also agreed to push joint efforts to eliminate sectarian conflicts and preserve national state institutions.

The Iraqi Prime Minister began a regional tour on Saturday with a visit to Saudi Arabia.

He will depart Cairo for Jordan on Monday, and will eventually visit Turkey and Iran.

El-Sisi and Al-Abadi met for the first time on the sidelines of the 28th Arab League Summit held in Amman last March.

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