Egypt, Sri Lanka Seek to Deepen Investment, Security Cooperation at ASEAN Meeting

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath agreed on Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation across investment, trade, tourism and security, while reaffirming their commitment to closer political coordination.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Manila, where the two ministers welcomed the progress achieved in Egyptian-Sri Lankan relations in recent years and pledged to build on the momentum through stronger consultation and coordination mechanisms.

Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's commitment to activating bilateral cooperation frameworks, including regular political consultations between the two foreign ministries and enhanced parliamentary cooperation, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

He also invited greater Sri Lankan investment in Egypt, highlighting opportunities in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which offers incentives aimed at attracting foreign investors.

The Egyptian foreign minister welcomed the interest of major Sri Lankan garment manufacturers in expanding their operations in Egypt, saying the government was committed to addressing investors' concerns, increasing bilateral trade and reviving the joint Egyptian-Sri Lankan business council.

Abdelatty also praised ongoing cooperation in tourism and antiquities, calling for the implementation of a previously signed memorandum of understanding and offering Egypt's expertise in training tourism professionals.

On security, he reaffirmed Egypt's readiness to deepen counter-terrorism cooperation with Sri Lanka and highlighted the role of Al-Azhar in promoting moderate Islamic thought through the dispatch of imams and teachers to Sri Lankan educational and religious institutions.

The talks also addressed regional and international developments, with Abdelatty outlining Egypt's position on current regional crises and stressing the need to intensify international efforts to reduce tensions and prioritize political and diplomatic solutions.

Herath, in turn, briefed Abdelatty on developments in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia, as the two ministers exchanged views on issues of shared regional concern.

The Sri Lankan foreign minister reaffirmed his country's interest in expanding ties with Egypt, describing Cairo as an influential regional and international partner. He expressed hope for closer cooperation in economic, investment and cultural fields, alongside continued coordination on matters of mutual interest.