Egypt, Norway FMs Discuss Expanding Bilateral Cooperation, Regional Stability Efforts

Egypt and Norway reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across economic, political and development sectors during talks between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Norwegian counterpart Espen Barth Eide.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila, where the two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties and exchanged views on key regional developments.

Minister Abdelatty highlighted the positive progress achieved in Egyptian-Norwegian relations, particularly in the political and economic fields, stressing the importance of creating stronger engagement between various sectors to match the level of political cooperation between the two countries.

He expressed Egypt’s interest in increasing exchanges between ministers, senior officials and specialized government institutions in areas including agriculture, trade, healthcare, education, energy and environmental cooperation.

The Egyptian foreign minister also emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships between business communities and chambers of commerce, while encouraging greater financing support for Norwegian companies operating in Egypt and attracting new investments, particularly in the clean energy sector.

Abdelatty pointed to Egypt’s recent economic and financial reforms, saying they provide new opportunities for international companies seeking to invest and expand in the Egyptian market.

The discussions also focused on increasing trade exchange between Egypt and Norway, as well as strengthening trilateral cooperation in Africa through development projects, especially in renewable energy.

The minister said cooperation in clean energy projects would contribute to Africa’s energy transition efforts and support sustainable development across the continent, while reinforcing both countries’ commitment to expanding economic partnerships in Africa.

Regarding regional issues, Abdelatty briefed his Norwegian counterpart on recent developments in the Middle East and Egypt’s efforts to support regional security and stability.

He emphasized Egypt’s support for diplomatic solutions and dialogue as the preferred approach to resolving regional crises, while rejecting escalation and stressing the importance of coordinated international efforts.

The Egyptian minister praised Norway’s position in support of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. He underlined the need for international and regional cooperation to ensure the implementation of the commitments outlined in the first phase of the US peace plan and to move toward the second phase, including early recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Abdelatty stressed that lasting stability and security in the Middle East can only be achieved through ensuring that the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate and inalienable rights.

The meeting reflects continued efforts by Egypt and Norway to deepen their partnership and coordinate positions on issues of mutual interest, including economic development, renewable energy and regional peace initiatives.