Cairo: Egypt and Azerbaijan have signed a comprehensive cooperation protocol that encompasses 12 key sectors including trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and food safety. The wide-ranging agreement also covers transport, information and communication technology (ICT), tourism, antiquities, culture, education, youth and sports, health, environment, and consular affairs.According to State Information Service Egypt, this significant agreement was finalized at the conclusion of the sixth meeting of the Egypt-Azerbaijan Joint Committee. The session was co-chaired by Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, and Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, with participation from both government and private sectors.Minister Mashat outlined that both countries have agreed to enhance investment cooperation through a detailed action plan for 2026-2027. This plan involves collaboration between Egypt's General Authority for Investment and Free Zones and Azerbaijan's export and investment promotion agency, with a focus on improving investor services, investment mapping, promotional activities, free zones, and entrepreneurship.The cooperation protocol also aims to bolster the electricity and renewable energy sectors as per a memorandum of understanding scheduled for June 2024. Key areas of focus include renewables, energy efficiency, battery storage, and activities related to oil, gas, and petrochemicals. The agreement further encompasses agriculture, food security, sustainable farming, water management, and agricultural research, along with improving ICT and freight transport between Egypt, Central Asia, and China via the ports of Baku and Alexandria.In the field of tourism, both nations have agreed to enhance mutual participation in tourism fairs and to take steps to increase Azerbaijani tourist visits to Egypt, particularly following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. There will also be cooperation in antiquities exh ibitions and museum staff training programs.The protocol extends to cultural and creative industries, education, research, youth, sports, public health, and insurance. Minister Mashat emphasized ongoing coordination on climate initiatives linked to COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh and the upcoming COP29 in Baku. Several ministries and agencies from both Egypt and Azerbaijan contributed to the committee's work.