President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi has affirmed that Egypt supports efforts to form a strong national Iraqi government that represents all Iraqis. During his meeting with Iraqi Vice President Ayad Allawi, Sisi welcomed political talks carried out by Iraqi blocs and stressed that Egypt backs any outcome. The meeting was attended by Egypts Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and head of Intelligence Abbas Kamal. Egyptian Presidential Spokesperson Bassam Radi said that Sisi welcomed the Iraqi vice president, confirming Egypt’s keenness to stand by Iraq and work on developing ties in various fields. Radi lauded the bilateral cooperation and its development in the past period. He also congratulated Allawi for his success in the Iraqi parliamentary elections which were held in May. Sisi stressed that Egypt backs Iraq’s unity, and all efforts to eradicate extremism and restore stability and security on all territories. The Egyptian president underpinned the significance of bilateral coordination and talks for the purpose of reinforcing solidarity among Arab states, amid regional crises. Radi stated that the meeting tackled the latest developments in Iraq as well as the negotiations to form the new government. Allawi pointed out the importance of the Iraqi national institutions’ role in terminating sectarian disputes and eradicating extremism. Sisi also stressed Egypt’s keenness on the unity and safety of Iraq, in addition to support to Iraq’s national institutions and rejection of all attempts to intervene in the country’s internal affairs.