Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty praised the recent progress in bilateral relations with the Philippines during a phone conversation with Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro. They discussed strategies to further enhance cooperation between their nations and exchanged perspectives on regional and international developments affecting the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty expressed a strong commitment to elevating existing frameworks of cooperation, particularly in economic, trade, investment, and cultural fields. He congratulated Lazaro on the Philippines' recent assumption of the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the start of the year. Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's dedication to strengthening its relationship with ASEAN, building on the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation signed in September 2016.

The Egyptian minister highlighted the opportunities available within the Egyptian economy for foreign investors, reaffirming the government's commitment to attracting investments and enhancing economic partnerships with Asian countries. He also showed interest in forming a joint Egyptian-Philippine business council. This council, which would include private sector representatives in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and energy, aims to facilitate communication between business communities and promote trade exchange.

Both ministers reiterated their dedication to ongoing consultations and coordinated efforts to advance regional and international security and stability.