Egypt's FM discusses security, economic matters with Belgium counterpart

CAIRO – 13 July 2021: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry met Tuesday with his Belgium counterpart Sophie Wilmes as they discussed regional developments, like those pertinent to the Palestinian Cause and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis, as well as bilateral relations.

Minister Shokry lauded the Belgium firms' interest in taking part in Egyptian development plans, particularly those in the sectors of infrastructure and renewable energy. He also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in the field of combating artifact smuggling, and working on boosting Belgium tourism to Egypt.

 

The minister further highlighted the endeavors made by Egypt to enhance the human rights status in the country, and its success in bringing illegal migration from its coasts to a halt. He added that now Egypt hosts six million refugees and migrants, who live normally among Egyptians and not in camps.

Shokry had earlier today met with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell as he discussed the same regional topics in addition to the Libyan crisis, and counterterrorism.

On Monday, the minister delivered a message from President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to President of the European Council Charles Michel.

The foreign minister headed Sunday to Brussels for that purpose and to hold meetings with the foreign ministers of EU countries and senior officials at the European Commission to confer over bilateral relations and regional affairs of mutual interest.

The visit is following the speech delivered by Shokry on July 8 explaining Egypt's vision and stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session held on the issue. 

The minister had been to New York housing the UNSC's headquarters since July 4, and met with the UN ambassadors of both permanent and non-permanent member states as well as other countries.