Egypt, UK Discuss Strengthening Cooperation

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, discussed strengthening bilateral ties and key regional developments during a phone call on Monday with the United Kingdom's National Security Adviser, Jonathan Powell.

The two officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between Egypt and the UK in the political, economic and investment fields, while commending the progress achieved in bilateral relations in recent months.

Abdelatty emphasized the need to broaden economic and trade cooperation and encourage greater British investment in Egypt to support the country's development priorities. He invited British companies to expand their investments and explore new opportunities across a range of sectors.

The minister also stressed the importance of increasing Egyptian exports to the UK under the Egypt-UK Association Agreement, saying fuller use of the trade pact would help boost bilateral commerce and maximize its economic benefits for both countries.

On regional issues, Abdelatty underscored the importance of continuing U.S.-Iran negotiations in a serious and constructive manner to reach a comprehensive agreement that addresses the interests and concerns of all parties while contributing to regional and international peace and stability. He reiterated that diplomacy remains the most effective path to resolving outstanding disputes.

The discussions also covered the latest developments in Lebanon. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's firm support for Lebanon's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, stressing the need for the full implementation of arrangements that would lead to a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and enable the Lebanese state to extend its authority across the country.

Turning to the Palestinian issue, the minister called for renewed international efforts to create the conditions for implementing the commitments under the first phase of the U.S. president's peace plan and advancing to its second phase.