Cairo: Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in political consultations with Austria's Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, accompanied by delegations from both nations.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions were centered on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing key regional and international developments. Foreign ministry spokesperson Tamim Khallaf mentioned that Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's commitment to deepening bilateral ties, building on outcomes from recent high-level visits such as the Austrian chancellor's visit to Cairo in March 2024.

Abdelatty highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation, particularly in economic, trade, and investment sectors, by activating the joint committee and encouraging Austrian investments in Egypt. Discussions also covered collaboration in labor, scientific, cultural, and tourism exchanges, renewable energy, and counterterrorism efforts.

The consultations addressed various regional and international issues of mutual concern, including developments related to the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Abdelatty stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and de-escalating tensions, noting Egypt's efforts to promote political and diplomatic solutions.

Abdelatty also brought attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank, briefing Meinl-Reisinger on Egypt's initiatives to restore a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. He reiterated the need to create a political horizon for the two-state solution, establishing a Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministers exchanged views on developments in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's stance on respecting sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of states, emphasizing support for national institutions and political resolutions to regional crises.

The talks concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding to launch a political consultation mechanism between Egypt and Austria, aiming to elevate bilateral relations and expand cooperation.