The Egyptian ambassador to Nigeria, Ashraf Salama, has said that his country and Nigeria must work together against extremism and terrorism ravaging the continent.

Speaking during the 63rd National Day of Egypt on Wednesday evening in Abuja, the envoy stated that the two countries are fighting the same battle in different territories, noting that the two nations had enjoyed robust relationship since independence.

Salama noted that Egypt supported Nigeria during the 1967 civil war, adding that Nigeria returned the favour by supporting Egypt’s application to resume membership in the African Union in 2014.

He said, “Today, the two countries are facing the same challenges and fighting the same battle in different territories. Last week brought heinous attacks to both Egypt and Nigeria. The attack in Egypt claimed the lives of the Egyptian Attorney-General and 17 Egyptian soldiers.

“The brutal attack in Nigeria claimed the lives of tens of innocent people in a clear message from fanatics and extremist that they know no boundaries, no religion and no mercy. Being aware of that fact, the leaders of Egypt and Nigeria echoed the same message of peace and called on the world to unite against extremism.”

The ambassador stated that Egypt was determined to move forward towards a better future by fighting against extremist ideologies that spread nothing but hatred, fear and destruction.

After four turbulent years politically and economically and against all odds, Salama said Egypt is moving towards restoring the democratic process in the country, stressing that it had written a new constitution and will soon elect a parliament to complete its democratic institutions.

Economically, he added, Egypt has started mega projects like the New Suez Canal that is due to open in less than two months and will benefit not only Egypt but also the whole world.

The project he said, would slash the time it takes ships to cross the Suez Canal and create a commercial hub and an industrial zone for local as well as international companies.

“Also, Egypt has recently started another mega project of building a new administrative capital that will extend between Cairo and the Suez Canal and will be a modern addition to the ancient city of Cairo, and is expected to modernize the Egyptian economy within a decade,” the envoy stated.