Cairo, Yamoussoukro probe co-operation in defence industry

Sarah Saad

Minister of State for Military Production Mohamed Salah Eddin has stressed the solid Egyptian-Ivorian relations and the special interest by the political leadership in both countries to maintain these ties.

This is clearly evident, he said, through the eagerness to exchange official visits between the officials of the two countries.

The minister made these remarks as he received on Monday the Ivorian Ambassador in Cairo Dole Guy Albert, to discuss aspects of bilateral co-operation in the various fields of manufacturing, particularly the defence industry.

During the meeting, the minister also reviewed the manufacturing, technological, technical, and human capabilities of the companies and units of affiliated to the ministry. He said they are the main foundation of military manufacturing in Egypt.

These entities constitute a pillar of the national industry, and are taking part in the implementation of many national development projects in the country, he said.

Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire have long-standing relations, he added.

Egypt was among the first countries to recognize the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire after its independence, and diplomatic relations have been in place since 1960.

He also stressed the importance of building on this historical legacy to advance the strategic partnership between the two nations.

For his part, The Ivorian envoy commended the well-established friendly ties between the two nations, and Egypt’s influential and active role in at the regional and international levels. He also referred to Cairo’s role for maintaining peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire and the region in general.

Albert highlighted the interest of many Ivorian companies in co-operating with military production companies in light of their distinguished manufacturing and technical capabilities, as well as their vital role in localizing modern technologies in various production fields.

 He acknowledged the ministry’s critical role as one of the most important industrial arms in Egypt, expressing his appreciation for the Ministry’s efforts in establishing fruitful strategic partnerships in both the military and civilian fields with various global companies, the statements noted.