Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli called for enhancing coordination between Egypt and Tunisia on regional issues to achieve security and stability. In this regard, the premier lauded Tunisia's supportive stance for Egypt and Sudan on the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Madbouli expressed hope for continuing mutual support between the two countries in international forums, particularly with regard to nominations for assuming international positions.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the Egyptian premier made the remarks during his chairmanship of the Egyptian-Tunisian Joint Higher Committee alongside Tunisian Prime Minister Sara Al-Zaafrani. The meeting, held in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), was attended by key ministers including Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, International Cooperation and Economic Development, Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade.
Madbouli emphasized the importance of exchanging information on investment opportunities, increasing joint investments, and encouraging Egyptian and Tunisian businessmen to establish strategic partnerships in promising sectors. These sectors include those within Egypt and other African countries, with the aim to double investment flows and bilateral trade.
The Prime Minister stressed Egypt's full support for Tunisia's efforts to overcome current challenges and achieve security and stability, envisioning a better future for the Tunisian people. He praised the progress made by the Tunisian economy, highlighting its development and the aspirations of its people.
To further economic ties, Madbouli noted the need to explore ways to double bilateral trade across various sectors. He mentioned the goal of increasing the trade volume between the two countries to USD one billion within two years, up from the current USD 500 million.
Madbouli highlighted the significance of exchanging visits to advance economic relations and strengthen cooperation in high value-added sectors such as food industries and light manufacturing. He called for promoting cooperation in establishing industrial clusters for automotive supply industries, textiles, spinning, and ready-made garments under the industrial developer system.
Additionally, the premier suggested exploring joint projects in manufacturing medicines, vaccines, and sera, as well as non-pharmaceutical medical products like medical supplies and hospital furniture. He also spoke about the importance of establishing a regular maritime route between Egypt and Tunisia to facilitate trade flows.
Madbouli affirmed Egypt's readiness to provide all forms of support to Tunisia, particularly in implementing major infrastructure projects. During the meeting, he condemned the Israeli attack on Qatar and praised Tunisia's historical support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, particularly their right to self-determination.
The Prime Minister expressed hope for President Saied's participation in the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, upon an invitation from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.