Shoukry, German Counterpart Stress Depth of Bilateral Relations

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock have stressed the depth of relations between Cairo and Berlin.

Speaking at a press conference at the end of their talks in Cairo, Shoukry said Egypt attaches great importance to its relations with Germany.

He added that the talks tackled means of promoting bilateral relations and building on the successes attained in various fields.

The meeting touched on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and the human rights situation, Shoukry noted.

Shoukry said Egypt’s achievements regarding security and stability in the region had a direct impact on security and stability in Europe, highlighting the country’s efforts to stop all forms of irregular migration to Europe since September 2016, saying “such matters are of concern to our European partners.”

“Thanks to its enhanced military capabilities, Egypt also managed to face terrorist organizations’ fierce attacks that targeted security and stability,” Shoukry said, affirming that army and police forces, as well as innocent civilians, have paid the cost of such attacks.

“If there is a desire to reduce Egypt’s ability to do so, then… we will have to find the means that enable us to defend ourselves and continue to play our responsible role in maintaining peace and security in the Middle East, Africa, and the world,” Shoukry said.

He added that Egypt will find these means “through positive partnerships and exchange of interests that are consistent with international laws.”

Shoukry’s remarks came after Baerbock said Germany will follow a “severely restrictive policy” regarding arms export under planned legislation. She affirmed that such legislation will impact large importers of German weapons.

Egypt has reiterated on many occasions that it does not establish international relations on “a basis of conditionality,” Shoukry said. Instead, Egypt’s international relations with other countries are based on mutual respect and interests and non-interference in domestic affairs, he added.

“The Egyptian military doctrine is based on the defense of Egyptian lands and Egypt has not carried out any act of aggression,” Shoukry said.

He affirmed that Egypt will continue to carry out the role of preventing terrorist attacks from reaching European territories, underscoring the “destructive impact” of these attacks on the security of European citizens, including Germans.

Shoukry received Baerbock on Saturday on her first visit to Egypt within the framework of the bilateral relations gathering the two countries, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Shoukry’s bilateral discussions with Baerbock seek to “build on the success achieved in various fields” of cooperation between Egypt and Germany, the ministry added.

Baerbock’s two-day visit to Egypt comes as part of her Middle East tour, which included Israel, Palestine, and Jordan, where she discussed the Israeli-Palestinian peace process in light of the crucial role played by Egypt and Jordan in this regard.