Manama: Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, held a press conference with Ahmed Kojak, Minister of Finance of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The event followed the second meeting of the Bahrain-Egypt Government Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technological Cooperation.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa highlighted the strong historical ties and strategic partnership between Bahrain and Egypt, built on mutual commitment and supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Excellency Abdel Fatah El Sisi, President of Egypt. He noted that this partnership continues to receive direct support from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt.
The minister said that the meeting reviewed economic, scientific, and technological cooperation and resulted in agreements on key areas. Several agreements and memoranda of understanding were drafted to enhance economic growth and sustainable development. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa pointed to the growth in non-oil trade between Bahrain and Egypt. He emphasised the importance of leveraging the Arab trade facilitation agreement and free trade agreements signed by both countries with regional and international economic blocs. Further developing private sector partnerships was also a key focus.
He emphasised the importance of cooperation in industry, infrastructure, and sustainable economic development to secure supply chains, achieve self-sufficiency, and support economic diversification. He highlighted efforts under the Integrated Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development to advance these goals. He also reviewed areas of cooperation in technology and investment and commended regular meetings between Mumtalakat and Egypt's Sovereign Fund for Investment and Development to explore new investment opportunities.
The meeting discussed the possibility of increasing direct flights between Bahrain and Cairo. It also addressed cooperation in tourism, financial technology, renewable energy, and AI, as well as investment opportunities and knowledge exchange. Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa emphasised the importance of industrial and infrastructure cooperation to secure value and supply chains, localise industries, and support job creation and economic diversification.
Both sides also agreed to hold the Bahrain Egypt Business and Investors Forum in Egypt alongside an upcoming high-level visit to facilitate trade and investment. Plans to expand student exchange programmes and university collaboration were also discussed. The minister commended the collaboration between Beyon Connect and Egypt's National Postal Authority in launching the digital mailbox service "Baridi."
On his part, Minister Kojak underscored the significance of the meeting and the strong Bahrain Egypt ties at the regional level. He noted that such meetings drive closer coordination and result in agreements that enhance cooperation in all sectors, meeting the aspirations of both nations and their peoples.