Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel Aaty and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper co-chaired on Thursday the third session of the Egypt–UK Association Council with participation of representatives of Egypt’s ministries of investment, foreign trade, finance, and planning.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Tamim Khalaf said that the council, which oversees the implementation of the Egypt–UK Association Agreement signed on December 5, 2020, discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations across multiple fields. Minister Abdel Aaty emphasised Egypt’s commitment to expanding economic, trade, and investment ties. He highlighted in this respect the opportunities available in the fields of renewable energy, infrastructure, and financial services. He underscored the importance of boosting British direct investment in Egypt and supporting private sector cooperation through joint mechanisms in Cairo and London.
The talks also addressed green growth, education, migration, and defense cooperation. On regional issues, the minister stressed the need to preserve Palestinian territorial unity in Gaza and the West Bank, reject measures undermining the two-state solution, and ensure sustained humanitarian access. He outlined Egypt’s efforts to advance peace initiatives, including international monitoring of ceasefire arrangements and enabling Gaza’s national committee to operate inside the territory.
The ministers also exchanged views on Sudan and Lebanon. Minister Abdel Aaty briefed his counterpart on Egypt’s role in supporting U.S.–Iran negotiations, welcoming the announcement of a memorandum of understanding.
Secretary Cooper praised Egypt’s active role in promoting Middle East stability and reaffirmed UK’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties and maintaining close coordination on regional security.
