Manila: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Southeast Asian countries and advancing its institutional relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), given the bloc's significant economic and political influence.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the remarks came during the foreign minister's meetings with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane. The meetings took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila, Philippines, as part of Egypt's efforts to deepen ties with Southeast Asian countries.

Abdelatty expressed Egypt's aspiration to elevate its relationship with ASEAN to the level of a "sectoral dialogue partner," which would open broader avenues for cooperation with the association's member states across various fields. The meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and promoting greater engagement between the business communities of Egypt and Southeast Asian countries.

The minister also highlighted the promising investment opportunities available in Egypt, emphasizing its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, which position the country as a regional hub for trade and investment. Discussions included exchanging views on significant regional and international developments of mutual interest.

Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's efforts to support security and stability, reduce escalation, and contain tensions in the region. He stressed the importance of adhering to diplomatic solutions and enhancing cooperation on regional and international issues to contribute to strengthening security and stability at both the regional and global levels.