Cairo: Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk engaged in discussions with a high-level delegation from the Republic of Uzbekistan, led by the Director of the Cabinet Secretariat for Investments, Exports, Trade, Agriculture, and Water Management. The focus was on enhancing joint cooperation in various fields of the agricultural sector between the two nations.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting was part of presidential directives aimed at reinforcing ties with Uzbekistan and addressing the technical aspects necessary for implementing outcomes from joint committees. Both parties evaluated the agricultural capabilities in Egypt and Uzbekistan and considered avenues to develop partnerships in agricultural and livestock production. They also discussed the exchange of expertise and technical know-how and the enhancement of trade in agricultural products.

Farouk highlighted the historical ties between Egypt and Uzbekistan and the political leadership's commitment to nurturing these relations, particularly in agriculture. He assured that his ministry is prepared to offer support and expertise to foster successful cooperation, targeting food security and agricultural development. Farouk also mentioned his recent discussions with Mansurbek Kilichev, Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Egypt, focusing on boosting cooperation in agriculture.

The Minister noted the significant development Egypt has experienced in recent years under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, especially in agriculture, which has attracted political attention. He stated that Egypt's improved investment climate offers great potential for joint agricultural ventures.

Farouk instructed the External Agricultural Relations Department to arrange comprehensive field visits for the Uzbek delegation to various agricultural projects across Egypt. These visits aim to showcase Egypt's agricultural advancements and facilitate the exchange of expertise.

The Uzbek delegation reiterated their leadership's dedication to strengthening agricultural cooperation and food security with Egypt. They expressed a strong interest in leveraging Egypt's expertise in agriculture and emphasized the importance of mutual visits and exchanges between specialists. Discussions also included increasing trade in crops and agricultural products, noting the trade balance between the two countries was approximately $55 million in 2024.