Egypt’s FM, UK Commissioner for Trade with Africa discuss enhancement of bilateral ties

CAIRO – 2 September 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty met with John Humphrey, the British Commissioner for Trade with Africa, on Monday.

According to a statement from Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman and director of the Public Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Abdelatty commended the strong and growing bilateral relations between Egypt and the United Kingdom.

He highlighted ongoing cooperation in several key areas, including energy (especially clean energy), communications and information technology, transportation and railway car supplies, as well as urban development and infrastructure. The UK is a leading foreign investor in Egypt.

The spokesman noted that Abdelatty discussed the steps taken by Egypt to empower the private sector, enhance the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy, support the transition to a green economy, and offer investment incentives to localize national industries.

He emphasized that these measures have sparked an investment boom across various sectors, presenting an opportunity to attract additional British investments.

Abdelatty expressed his hope to further strengthen cooperation between Egypt and the UK in economic and investment areas that benefit both countries. He encouraged British companies to take advantage of the opportunities in Egypt's infrastructure projects, smart cities, and renewable energy initiatives, aiming to boost trade between the two nations.

Ambassador Abu Zeid added that the meeting also covered the enhancement of cooperation and investment mobilization across the African continent. Abdelatty emphasized Egypt's desire to work with the UK on tripartite initiatives in African countries, leveraging the strong strategic ties both nations have with the continent. Areas of mutual interest include clean and renewable energy, transportation, infrastructure, and health.

For his part, the British Commissioner reiterated the UK's commitment to increasing its investments in Egypt and working together to boost business, trade, and investment. He underscored the importance of deepening Egyptian-British relations.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman concluded by noting Abdelatty’s interest in the British Trade Commissioner's ideas and proposals for enhancing cooperation between Egypt and the UK in various economic and investment fields, to the benefit of both peoples.