Manila: Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates, met with Mr. Sugiono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the capital of the Philippines.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Minister Abdelatty emphasized the high priority Egypt places on strengthening its relationship with Indonesia, focusing on implementing understandings reached between their political leaderships. He highlighted Egypt's commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation, building on the outcomes of high-level visits, and serving the shared interests of both nations.
The Foreign Minister noted Egypt's increasing focus on strengthening relations with Asian countries and deepening its partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He acknowledged ASEAN's role in promoting peace, stability, and economic development. Minister Abdelatty praised Indonesia's support in ASEAN and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to enhancing institutional relations with ASEAN since joining the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2016. This commitment aims to enhance cooperation with ASEAN member states across multiple fields.
In multilateral coordination, Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's eagerness to continue consultations with Indonesia in international and regional forums. He valued the reciprocal support provided by both countries for each other's candidates in international organizations and their shared stance on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. He also underscored the importance of coordination within the Developing Eight Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8) and expressed Egypt's interest in participating actively during Indonesia's presidency in 2026-2027.
On the economic front, Minister Abdelatty expressed hope for increased trade and investment cooperation. He highlighted the strategic partnership between the two countries and the promising investment opportunities in Egypt, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. He emphasized enhancing agricultural cooperation and addressing non-tariff barriers to boost Egyptian agricultural exports to Indonesia, thereby increasing bilateral trade.
The ministers also discussed regional developments. Minister Abdelatty stressed the need for concerted efforts to resolve regional conflicts and crises through peaceful solutions in accordance with international law. He reaffirmed Egypt's rejection of attacks targeting Arab states and emphasized respecting state sovereignty and good-neighborliness.
Regarding the Gaza Strip, Minister Abdelatty appreciated Indonesia's support for Egypt's efforts and its rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people. He commended Indonesia's humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in Gaza and praised the close coordination between the two nations in international forums on the Palestinian cause.