Egypt, Algeria Seek to Boost Political, Economic Cooperation

Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat holding talks with Algerian ambassador in Cairo Hameed Shbeira (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat holding talks with Algerian ambassador in Cairo Hameed Shbeira (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt, Algeria Seek to Boost Political, Economic Cooperation

Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat holding talks with Algerian ambassador in Cairo Hameed Shbeira (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat holding talks with Algerian ambassador in Cairo Hameed Shbeira (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat met with the Algerian ambassador in Cairo, Hameed Shbeira, ahead of the Joint Higher Committee meeting between the two countries.

The talks addressed the developments of cooperation in various fields, preparations for the Joint Higher Committee, and the results of previous sessions at the level of joint committees.

Mashat expressed Egypt's aspiration to advance bilateral relations in various fields taking advantage of the great economic potentials of both countries.

She stressed the keenness of both political leaderships to overcome any obstacle that might prevent economic integration.

Mashat asserted the importance of reactivating the role of the Joint Higher Committee, as its last session was held in 2014.

The statement reported that the Algerian ambassador reflected his country's desire to advance relations with Egypt in various areas.

Shbeira stressed that both leaders aim to push the relations forward, which will be reflected in the development efforts, indicating that Algeria also wants to resume the meetings of the Joint Higher Committee.

Earlier this week, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi received a written letter from his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune, delivered by the Algerian Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra.

Tebboune underlined Algeria's pride in its close and distinguished relations with Egypt at the official and popular levels.

In his letter, the President also stressed his county's interest in strengthening bilateral cooperation with Egypt in various fields.

Tebboune said he looks forward to further enhancing coordination and consultation with Sisi during the coming period to counter the various challenges facing the region and the Arab nation and reinforce joint Arab action.

The meeting tackled ways to foster closer bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of holding the next session of the Joint Higher Committee at the level of the two countries prime ministers during the current year.

It also highlighted the importance of holding the next session of the political consultation mechanism at the level of the two foreign ministers.



Syria to Include All Sectors in New Government, Foreign Minister Says

 Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meets Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 2, 2025. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meets Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 2, 2025. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
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Syria to Include All Sectors in New Government, Foreign Minister Says

 Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meets Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 2, 2025. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman meets Syria's newly appointed Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 2, 2025. Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

Syria's foreign minister has told Saudi Arabian officials that the new leadership in Damascus wants to set up a government involving all parts of Syrian society following the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad last month.

Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani was making the first foreign trip by a member of Syria's new administration as Western and regional powers seek signs on whether it show inclusivity in government.

Al-Shibani and Syria's defense minister met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in Riyadh on Thursday.

"Through our visit, we conveyed our national vision of establishing a government based on partnership and efficiency that includes all Syrian components, and working to launch an economic development plan that opens the way for investment, establishes strategic partnerships, and improves living and service conditions," Al-Shibani said in a post on X, Reuters reported.

Since ousting Assad on Dec. 8, opposition factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) have sought to reassure Arab countries and the international community that they will govern on behalf of all Syrians.