Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty received UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper as they co-chaired the third session of the Egypt-UK Association Council. The session saw participation from representatives of the Ministries of Investment and Foreign Trade, Finance, and Planning and Economic Development.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the Association Council is tasked with monitoring and implementing the partnership agreement signed between Egypt and the UK on December 5, 2020. The council held extensive discussions to explore ways of developing bilateral relations across various fields to meet the aspirations of both nations.
Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's desire to strengthen its partnership with the UK across multiple sectors, focusing on economic, trade, and investment relations. He highlighted the potential for increased trade exchange and British direct investment in Egypt, citing promising opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure, and financial services.
The Egyptian government has been active in developing the national economy and improving the business environment to support the private sector. Abdelatty underscored the importance of the investment component in economic relations and advocated for joint efforts to enhance cooperation in green growth, education, migration, and defense.
The session also addressed regional and international issues, with discussions on the Palestinian cause taking center stage. Abdelatty stressed the importance of preserving the unity of Palestinian territories and rejected actions undermining the two-state solution. He detailed Egypt's efforts to advance the US peace plan and support the US-Iran negotiation process.
The diplomats exchanged views on developments in Sudan and Lebanon, with the UK Foreign Secretary commending Egypt's role in promoting security and stability in the Middle East. She reiterated the UK's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and working together to support regional stability.