Finnish PM: Egypt is one of biggest trade partners to Finland in ME, North Africa

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Feb 26 (MENA) - Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipilä said Egypt is one of the biggest trade partners to his country in the Middle East and North Africa.

Interviewed by MENA, the Finnish premier underlined the need for exerting more efforts to upgrade the level of relations between Egypt and his country, adding that both countries face the same challenges and share viewpoints regarding international issues of common concern.

As regards cooperation fields between the two sides, he cited the sustainable development of economy which provides a chance for fruitful cooperation in the future.

He also pointed out to the return of Finnish tourists to Egypt through direct flights from Helsinki to Red Sea resorts after a period of temporary suspension.

Responding to a question on the Arab-European Summit, the Finnish premier underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two sides especially regarding the common regional and international challenges, citing climate change, illegal immigration, human trafficking, terrorism and unemployment.

On the possibility of upping trade and economic relations between the Arab world and the European Union, the Finnish premier pointed out to the use of state-of-the-art and digital technology that could achieve prosperity for the peoples of the two sides.

He stated that the European Union and the League of Arab States have common resolve to create a better future based on a multilateral cooperation and a commitment to international standards.