Egyptian, Canadian FMs discuss promoting coop.

CAIRO – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty on Tuesday discussed with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand ways of enhancing cooperation and economic relations between Egypt and Canada.During a phone call, Abdelatty congratulated Anand on her appointment as a foreign minister, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf.Abdelatty underscored Egypt’s keenness to advance economic and trade ties with Canada, urging Canadian companies to invest in Egypt, particularly in the sectors of energy, agriculture, and water resources.He highlighted Egypt’s recent steps to support the private sector and improve the business climate, the spokesman said.The top Egyptian diplomat emphasized the importance of drawing on the outcomes of the 12th round of political consultations between the two countries, during which a delegation of Egyptian businessmen visited Ottawa in April.The phone call took up developments in the Middle East, with Abdelatty briefing Anand on Egypt’s efforts to resume the ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the release of hostages and detainees along with facilitating the delivery of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid amid the worsening humanitarian situation there.He highlighted Egypt’s plans to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, once a ceasefire deal reached, the spokesman stated.Abdelatty called for outlining a political horizon for the Palestinian cause that meets the aspirations of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al Quds city) as its capital.He further said that both Iran and Israel should comply with the ceasefire, calling for regional and international efforts to consolidate any agreement, reduce tensions and open the door to diplomatic engagement.He also reiterated the importance of resuming negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.Meanwhile, both sides exchanged views on regional issues, including developments in Libya, Sudan, Yemen, and Red Sea security.For her part, the Canadian foreign minister praised Egypt’s constructive efforts to resume the ceasefire in Gaza and promote peace and security in the Middle East, recognizing Egypt as a cornerstone of regional stability.