Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdel-Aati discussed with his Luxembourg counterpart Xavier Bettel regional and international issues of mutual interest; foremost among them is the situation in Gaza.
The two sides held a session of political consultations during which Minister Abdel-Aati praised the positive outcomes of the first round of political consultations between Egypt and Luxembourg at the senior official level in April 2024, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Tamim Khalaf said on Tuesday.
Abdel-Aati said he looks forward to enhancing economic and trade co-operation between the two countries and to seizing investment opportunities in Egypt.
He highlighted, in this regard, the comprehensive development in Egypt’s business environment, particularly in the areas of energy, smart cities, digital economy, and banking services.
He underscored the importance of establishing a joint business council to elevate the level of economic collaboration between the two countries.
Minister Abdel-Aati welcomed Luxembourg’s support for Egypt in the European Union institutions and the European Commission’s decision to disburse €1 billion as the first tranche of a financial package. He expressed hope for Luxembourg’s advocacy within the European Commission and Parliament to ensure approval of the second tranche of €4 billion.
Abdel-Aati also welcomed the appointment of Luxembourg’s first non-resident ambassador to Egypt, describing it as a step reflecting the two countries’ commitment to deepening co-operation.
He noted that there was agreement to work towards the opening of a Luxembourg embassy in the New Administrative Capital in the near future.
Foreign Minister Abdel-Aati commended Luxembourg’s support for the Palestinian cause, call for an immediate ceasefire, and efforts to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza as well as its support for UNRWA’s work.
Abdel-Aati reviewed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, emphasising the need to halt Israeli aggression on the strip and its violations of international law and humanitarian law.
The talks also covered developments in Syria, where Minister Abdel-Aati outlined Egypt’s position, stressing the need to respect Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the importance of launching a comprehensive political process involving all components of the Syrian people to preserve security and stability.
Additionally, the ministers addressed developments in Sudan and Libya, Egypt’s water, maritime security in the Red Sea, and the Horn of Africa.
They affirmed the direct link between security and stability in the Horn of Africa and Egypt’s national security.
