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British Min. for Middle East and North Africa Affirms UK-Egypt Ties


Mon 18 Oct 2021 | 03:47 PM
Basant ahmed

 

British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, James Cleverly, has strengthened the UK-Egypt partnership on his first official visit to the country, engaging in a number of meetings with key Egyptian interlocutors.

 

The UK has long valued Egypt’s role in pressing for stability across the Middle East & North Africa. Egypt is a key mediator in regional conflicts, such as the recent violence seen in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

The Minister reiterated his thanks to the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, for the country’s commitment to the ongoing mediation talks between Israel and Hamas. In Libya, the UK and Egypt share interests in combating terrorism, extremism and working to bring security to the country.

The minister also discussed the climate change agenda with Foreign Minister Shoukry, in advance of COP26 in two weeks’ time. In a separate meeting with Transport Minister General Kamel El Wazir, Minister Cleverly explored how to clean transport and renewable energy could provide investment opportunities for British businesses.

Speaking after the visit, James Cleverly said:  On my first official visit to Egypt, I saw first-hand how the UK-Egypt relationship is growing in strength. The UK is investing in its partnerships with Egypt, from trade to tackling climate change, and our countries are working together to see Egypt thrive.”

Building on the UK-Egypt Association Agreement, the Minister met British businesspeople in Cairo to find out more about the scale of opportunities that exist for UK investment and expansion in Egypt. The UK’s trade relationship with Egypt is growing, with British companies continuing to be among the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Egypt.

The minister welcomed the recent publication of Egypt’s National Human Rights Strategy, following meetings with figures in the Egyptian Government and human rights defenders. The UK believes that freedom of expression and an active civil society are vital parts of a thriving democracy, and essential to Egypt’s future.