Lithuania seeks to cooperate with Egypt in trade, technology: Linkevičius

CAIRO - 24 January 2019: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius expressed his country's aspiration to strengthen cooperation with Egypt in many sectors including trade, technology,and electronic and banking services to meet the common interests of both states.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri received Linkevičius in Cairo on Wednesday, where they reviewed means of developing bilateral relations as well as a number of regional and international issues of common concern, Egyptian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.

During their meeting, Linkevičius was keen to hear the Egyptian assessment of the developments in the Middle East, especially Egyptian efforts in terms of the Palestinian cause, the situation in Syria and the developments in Libya.

The Lithuanian minister praised Egypt's role in working on finding solutions to the regional crisis, besides its counter-terrorism efforts, Hafez said.

The two ministers highlighted the importance of working to establish a joint business council in efforts to boost the level of trade exchange between Egypt and Lithuania which remains limited.

In this regard, the Egyptian foreign minister reviewed investment incentives the Egyptian market introduces, especially in the new industrial zones, indicating that Lithuanian companies can benefit from such opportunities, Hafez said.

The two ministers discussed opportunities for cooperation in information technology, in light of Lithuania's experience in this field at the international level. Shoukri expressed keenness to sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of tourism between the two countries, as well as between the Egyptian and Lithuanian civil aviation authorities to encourage trade and tourism.

Shoukri reviewed Egypt's efforts in fighting the global issue of illegal immigration, affirming the need to deal with the roots of the problem through promoting development and providing jobs. He also called for combating terrorism through a comprehensive perspective including pursuing terrorism sources of funding and supporters.

In light of Egypt's presidency of the African Union in 2019, the two ministers reviewed common challenges faced by African and European states, according to Hafez.

Shoukri highlighted Egypt's priorities in its presidential term of the AU, including enhancing peace and security, settling disputes,promoting development in the African continent, boosting joint investments and intra-trade, and pushing forward the development agenda of Africa 2063, Hafez added.

Lithuania’s FM invites Egypt to 2020 Science Summit

CAIRO - 23 January 2019: During his first visit to Cairo, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius praised Egypt’s role in the MENA region, affirming that his country is keen to join the discussions over the Middle East issues.

In January 2018, Egypt has been elected as chair of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term in 2019.

Meeting with Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Elhadj As Sy, Shoukri urged cooperation in the issues of health and the combat of epidemics and diseases in Africa, according to Hafez.

In August 2017, Linkevičius received Shoukri in his first visit to Lithuania. Shoukri also met during the visit with Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis.

Diplomatic relations between Egypt and Lithuania have been established in 1992, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania reported, adding that Cairo has the only Lithuanian Embassy in the Middle East region, which has been operating since 2001.


Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri (L) receives Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius (R) on Wednesday in Cairo - Press photo


Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri (L) receives Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius (R) on Wednesday in Cairo - Press photo


Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri (L) receives Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius (R) on Wednesday in Cairo - Press photo