Egypt's FM Holds Economic Talks with China, Oman, Philippines

On the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, focusing on investment, trade and regional security, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate meetings with senior officials from China, the Philippines, Oman and Luxembourg this week.

Meeting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Abdelatty called for greater Chinese investment in Egypt's value-added industries, identifying industrial localisation and technology transfer as priorities for future cooperation.

The ministers reviewed China's participation in major Egyptian projects, including the Central Business District in the New Administrative Capital, the electric railway and investments in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

They also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, education, culture and tourism ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and China in 2026.

The ministers exchanged views on regional developments, including Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, Libya and the Horn of Africa, as well as coordination in international organisations. Abdelatty called for reforms to global governance institutions to make them more representative of developing countries.

Wang reaffirmed China's commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Egypt and praised Cairo's role in promoting regional stability.

In a separate meeting, Abdelatty and Philippine Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque discussed expanding economic cooperation, with the Egyptian minister saying Cairo aimed to double bilateral trade and increase cooperation in agricultural products, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, textiles and food industries.

He also proposed establishing an Egyptian-Philippine business council to facilitate investment missions and direct contacts between companies, describing Egypt as a gateway to African, Arab and European markets. Roque welcomed closer economic cooperation and described Egypt as a promising destination for Philippine trade and investment.

During talks with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, Abdelatty called for convening the 17th session of the Egyptian-Omani Joint Committee and accelerating the activation of the bilateral business council.

According to Egypt's foreign ministry, the ministers discussed developments in Gaza and Yemen, maritime security and international shipping. They also condemned attacks on Gulf states, reaffirmed respect for state sovereignty and rejected restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Abdelatty later met Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, proposing the establishment of a joint economic committee and business council to boost trade and investment.

The ministers discussed the war in Gaza, with Abdelatty welcoming Luxembourg's support for the Palestinian cause and calling for progress in ceasefire efforts. They also discussed Sudan, where Abdelatty called for a lasting ceasefire, expanded humanitarian assistance and an inclusive Sudanese-led political process.

Bettel expressed Luxembourg's interest in strengthening relations with Egypt and praised Cairo's role in promoting regional security and stability.