Egypt, Netherlands boost economic, trade ties
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received a phone call from the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, on Friday.
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the call touched on various aspects of the bilateral relationship between Egypt and the Netherlands.
The two sides emphasised the importance of continuing to strengthen and develop these relations, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, agriculture, water resource management, financial services, and energy.
President Sisi and Premier Schoof reviewed ways to enhance co-operation on migration. The Dutch prime minister praised Egypt’s efforts in combating illegal immigration and lauded the continuous coordination between the two countries in this area.
Moreover, they discussed cooperation in confronting terrorism and extremism. The Dutch prime minister affirmed Egypt’s leading role and significant expertise in this regard.
They also discussed the current regional situation. President Sisi reviewed Egypt’s unwavering efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and ensure the urgent and sufficient entry of humanitarian aid.
The president also highlighted endeavors to secure the release of hostages and captives and to create an environment conducive to resuming the political process. The aim is to implement the two-state solution and establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the June 4, 1967 borders, as the only path to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
In this context, the Dutch prime minister expressed his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s diligent efforts to secure a ceasefire, release hostages, and provide humanitarian aid to the Strip.
President Sisi reiterated Egypt’s firm stance, rejecting attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land. He also stressed the need to expedite the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip as soon as a ceasefire is reached.
The president emphasized the necessity of respecting international law and relevant international agreements, which obligate countries to provide security protection for diplomatic missions and not to harm foreign embassies operating on their soil. This matter was affirmed by the Dutch prime minister.
Cairo, London eye stronger ties
President Sisi received a phone call Thursday night from British Prime MinisterKeir Starmer.
Ambassador El-Shennawysaid the call touched on the distinguished ties between Egypt and the United Kingdom. Both sides agreed to further enhance co-operation between the two countries in all fields, particularly economic, trade, tourism, and education, in addition to supporting joint investment projects.
The phone call reviewed regional developments. President Sisi reiterated that Egypt welcomes the British prime minister’s statements regarding the United Kingdom’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine.
It was also emphasized that this step would represent a positive impetus toward restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, mainly the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967, borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Both sides emphasized that a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue through the establishment of an independent state is the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
During the call, President Sisi reviewed Egypt’s vision for achieving calm and ending the war in the Gaza Strip, highlighting Egypt’s efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement, expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid, and ensure the release of hostages and captives, as well as the importance of beginning the reconstruction process in the Strip as soon as possible.
President Sisi has affirmed Egypt’s firm position of rejecting the displacement of Palestinians from their lands.
