FM, British FCDO Minister Hold Talks in London

At the outset of his current visit to London, Egypt's Foreign Minister (FM) Sameh Shoukry held talks with the British Minister of State for North Africa, South & Central Asia, UN, and the Commonwealth, at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon. 

Both ministers are set to discuss various bilateral issues between Egypt and the United Kingdom (UK), according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez. 

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The spokesman stated that FM welcomed the open dialogue between Egypt and the UK on various issues of common interest, as well as the continuation of communication between the two sides.

Both ministers underlined the great importance of the launch of the Partnership Council between Egypt and the UK, as it contributes to strengthening the areas of joint work, especially in the fields of the economy as well as increasing British investments in Egypt, and the rate of trade exchange between them to achieve the interests of the two countries.

Moreover, they also discussed the repercussions of the current global economic crisis, and ways of cooperation to mitigate its effects.

In addition, the British minister tackled the upcoming international conference on freedom of religion or belief that will be hosted in London on July 5-6. In this regard, Shoukry stressed the effective Egyptian participation in this conference, highlighting Egypt's achievements and efforts to promote freedom of religion and belief, as well as the state's keenness to uphold the principles of citizenship, equality, and non-discrimination between citizens on any basis.

It is worth mentioning that, Shoukry headed on Sunday for London to inaugurate the first partnership council between Egypt and the UK.

"Shoukry and British counterpart Liz Truss would tackle political consultations between the two sides and economic issues," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.

On his part, Hafez noted that the council seeks to strengthen cooperation between Egypt and the UK in various fields, adding that the Egyptian minister will hold several bilateral meetings during the visit to boost consultations between the two sides.