Cairo: Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs of Egypt, met with Ishaq Dar, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, to reinforce the longstanding bilateral relations between Egypt and Pakistan. During the meeting, Egypt extended its appreciation for the historic and close ties with Pakistan.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the discussions led to an agreement to enhance trade and investment opportunities. The two nations plan to increase trade volume through their Joint Business Council. A proposal to draft a Joint Action Plan between Egypt's General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) and the Pakistan Board of Investment was also explored. This plan aims to foster communication between business communities and open new avenues for investment.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted the potential for commercial and economic collaborations between the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and Pakistan's Gwadar Port. The discussions included potential strategies for localizing value-added industries within the Economic Zone.
The meeting also covered regional developments in the Middle East. Minister Abdelatty addressed the situation in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the need to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and advance the second phase of the Peace Plan. He underscored the necessity for the International Stabilisation Force to fulfill its role in maintaining the ceasefire and discussed preparations for the upcoming International Conference for Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza.