Egypt PM, Uzbek FM Hold Cooperation Talks

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov discussed ways to expand economic cooperation, boost trade and investment, and strengthen coordination on regional and international issues during talks in Cairo on Saturday.

Madbouly welcomed the Uzbek foreign minister and highlighted what he described as growing momentum in bilateral relations, expressing Egypt's desire to deepen cooperation with Uzbekistan across a range of sectors of mutual interest.

According to a statement recently issued by the Egyptian cabinet, the prime minister said Egypt was keen to continue coordination with Uzbekistan in international forums and expand economic ties through joint projects and investments aimed at increasing trade volumes between the two countries.

He also affairmed Egypt's interest in establishing an Egyptian-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce, convening a joint business council, and continuing negotiations toward a preferential free trade agreement.

Madbouly said Egypt's strategic location could provide Uzbekistan with access to markets across the Middle East and Africa, pointing to the activities of Egyptian companies operating in Uzbekistan, particularly in infrastructure projects, as well as Egyptian investments in electrical appliance manufacturing. He added that the two countries could also cooperate in pharmaceutical production.

The talks also covered regional developments and Egypt's efforts to resolve regional crises, reduce tensions, and promote security and stability, including initiatives related to the Palestinian issue.

In turn, Saidov conveyed greetings from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and praised Egypt's role in addressing regional conflicts.

The Uzbek minister said his visit would provide fresh momentum to bilateral relations and expressed his country's interest in launching joint projects with Egypt, particularly in infrastructure, while working to expand trade and strengthen economic cooperation.

Saidov described Egypt as an important gateway for Uzbekistan to neighboring markets, while noting Uzbekistan's potential role as a hub for Egypt's access to Central Asia. He outlined several areas for possible cooperation, including agricultural machinery manufacturing, automotive production, fertilizers, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as partnerships between economic zones, industrial areas and local authorities in both countries.

The minister also praised Egypt's recent economic progress, saying Uzbekistan had experienced significant economic development as well, creating favorable conditions for closer cooperation.

On regional issues, Saidov reaffirmed Uzbekistan's support for efforts to achieve a settlement of the Palestinian issue and establish an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also highlighted Uzbekistan's humanitarian and medical assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

The two sides additionally discussed cooperation within international organizations, including the Non-Aligned Movement.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Madbouly said Egypt's Foreign Ministry had been tasked with following up on the proposals discussed during the talks to advance bilateral cooperation and translate them into concrete initiatives.