Egypt, Austria FMs Discuss Middle East Security and Cooperation

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said Egypt will continue consultations with international partners to support stability in the Middle East and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Vienna with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Abdelatty said Egypt remains committed to ending the Israeli occupation, increasing humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and pursuing a just settlement of the Palestinian issue, stressing that lasting regional stability cannot be achieved without a fair solution.

The minister also said Egypt will continue cooperating with Europe to combat illegal migration while supporting legal migration pathways to meet labour market needs, noting that around 65% of Egypt's population is under the age of 35.

Abdelatty said Egyptian private sector investments in Africa have exceeded $14 billion, adding that the newly established Africa Trade and Investment Agency aims to reduce investment and trade risks across the continent.

He also reaffirmed the strength of Egyptian-Austrian relations and called on Austrian companies to take advantage of investment opportunities in Egypt.

For her part, Meinl-Reisinger described Egypt as a vital partner for regional stability and for the European Union. She praised Cairo's efforts to contain regional crises and deliver humanitarian assistance, expressing Austria's interest in expanding cooperation with Egypt in counterterrorism, tackling illegal migration, skilled labour programmes, trade and investment.