Cairo, London diversifying economic co-operation to include energy, green economy, ICT, transport

FM: Egypt’s foreign policy oriented to enhance ties with Africa

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration Badr Abdel Aty, met the British Trade Envoy to Africa, John Humphrey, in Cairo and highlighted the growing co-operation between Egypt and the United Kingdom, particularly in the economic and trade sectors.

He emphasized key areas such as energy, including clean energy, telecommunications, information technology, transportation, and the supply of railway cars. Abdel Aty noted that the UK is Egypt’s leading foreign investor and expressed appreciation for the expanding bilateral relations, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said.

During the meeting, Dr. Abdel Aty outlined Egypt’s efforts to empower the private sector, enhance the competitiveness of its economy, support the transition to a green economy, and provide investment incentives to localize certain industries.

These measures, the Foreign Minister explained, have led to a significant investment boom across various economic sectors, creating more opportunities for British investments in Egypt.

The minister also expressed hope for the furtherance of economic and investment ties between the two countries, encouraging British companies to take advantage of opportunities in Egypt, particularly in infrastructure projects, smart cities, and renewable energy. This, he emphasized, would help increase the volume of bilateral trade.

Regarding cooperation and investment in Africa, Minister Abdel Aty expressed Egypt’s eagerness to work with the UK within a trilateral framework with African countries. He noted that both Egypt and the UK have strong strategic ties across the continent, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as clean energy, transportation, infrastructure, and healthcare.

For his part, the British trade envoy affirmed his country’s commitment to boosting its investments in Egypt and working jointly to enhance business, trade, and investment between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of building on the strong trade relations between Egypt and the UK.

In a related context, Foreign Minister Abdel-Aati has stressed that Africa is a top priority for Egypt’s foreign policy and that the continent represents a strategic depth of Egypt’s national security.

Minister Abdel-Aati’s outlining of the status of Africa in Egypt’s foreign policy came during a meeting he called the other day with officials of the Foreign Ministry’s departments and sectors in charge of African affairs.

Highlighting aspects of the importance of relations with Africa, Dr Abdel-Aati noted that that he has been keen on visiting many African countries and meeting his African counterparts since he assumed office, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zaid said.

The Foreign Minister also noted in this connection that Egypt’s economic growth hinges, in part, on the great potentials of the African market, spokesman Abu Zaid said. The top diplomat urged intensified efforts to invigorate the role of the Egyptian private sector in promoting trade exchanges with African countries.