FM Shoukry discusses Egypt’s latest economic reforms in Berlin

CAIRO – 4 July 2018: Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry discussed Egypt’s latest economic reforms with the Bundestag majority leader Volker Kauder during their meeting in Berlin on Wednesday morning.

According to a statement issued by Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Ahmed Abu Zeid, Shoukry affirmed to Kauder Egypt’s keenness to maintain strong and friendly relations with Germany. Kauder expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s government, and its latest reform plan.

Shoukry and Kauder discussed in details most of the recently announced decisions as part of the government's reform strategy. Shoukry called on the German companies to invest more in Egypt, increasing the volume of trade exchange between the two countries; he explained to Kauder a number of the recent decisions and laws which created a more suitable investment environment in Egypt.

Shoukry discussed Egypt’s excessive efforts to fight terrorism with the Egyptian-German Parliamentary Friendship Association Head, Ralf Brauksiepe, during a meeting on July 3.

Shoukry and Brauksiepe exchanged information regarding ways to maintain stability and security within the Middle East region, according to a statement issued by Abu Zeid on Tuesday.

It was added that Shoukry’s meeting with Brauksiepe and other German Bundestag members shed light on several issues of mutual interest, including boosting economic relations in light of the recent Egyptian economic reforms.

The Middle East conflicts, including wars in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, were also discussed during the meeting, according to the statement.

Shoukry embarked on a European tour on Tuesday morning. The tour is supposed to include Germany and Austria.

According to a statement issued on Monday July 2, Abu Zeid said that shoukry's tour aims to boost relations between Egypt and its European partners, and to enhance coordination with the German and Austrian governments, especially in light of Austria's periodic presidency of the European Union.

Abu Zeid added in his statement that Shoukry’s visit to Germany will last for two days as he is going to meet with several officials from the government and Parliament.

Discussing the development of Egyptian- German relations will be among Shoukry’s priorities during his meetings; the foreign minister will focus on ways to enhance economic cooperation as well as mutual investment and trade exchange.

Abu Zeid explained that the great progress in the Egyptian-German relations comes as a result of the mutual understanding between the two countries' leaders, especially with the German side realizing the importance of coordinating and consulting with Egypt regarding the Middle East constant developments.