Egypt's FM sheds light on importance of recent overseas visits by President Sisi

CAIRO – 24 July 2022: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry stated in a phone-in Saturday that the recent visits of President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to several states reflect Egypt's keenness on persistent coordination with partners on all levels.

Given that the last one was to Serbia, the minister noted that the ties between both countries extend to the eras of Gamal Abdel Nasser and Joseph Tito, who joined forces, along with other states, to establish the Non-Aligned Movement.

As for the president's visit to Germany and France, Minister Shokry underscored that Egyptian-European relations are ramified with the economic aspect being integral, in addition to that concerned with accomplishing stability and security on both sides of the Mediterranean.

The minister of foreign affairs affirmed that there are cooperation and coordination between Egypt and Europe on economic affairs, which is salient in light of the global economic downturn, inflation, and risks pertaining to food security.

On one hand, Egypt can offer natural gas and renewable energy, while on the other hand, it needs more direct investment, job creation, technology transfer, and production, the minister clarified.

As the president raised the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in all his overseas visits, the minister of foreign affairs commented that Europe shows a great extent of understanding.

In that context, the minister stipulated the necessity of encouraging the Ethiopian side to manifest lenience with the aim of closing a legally binding agreement. He added that undermining Egypt's water interests would incur regional tensions, which would spill over into the international scene.

With regard to the Sunday visit of Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, Shokry said that Egypt maintains a balanced relationship with all its partners, and continues to manage its relations in a balanced way.

In a related context, the minister commended the step of lifting the ban on Ukrainian exports of wheat for it would alleviate the pressure on the many countries, with Egypt being at the forefront, that heavily depend on wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia.

The minister of foreign affairs, who is also president-designate of COP 27 to be hosted by Egypt in November, said he aspires that this year's summit becomes a chance for executing what was agreed upon in previous conferences; especially, providing the needed funding to developing countries to achieve climate adaptation and mitigation. The minister pointed out that one of the most distinguished and staunch participants in the upcoming Summit is Prince Charles of Wales.