Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry kicked off an official visit to London on Monday to inaugurate the first Egypt-UK partnership council.
The council will be co-chaired by Shoukry and British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. It will include political consultations and discussions on economic and trade issues, with the participation of British Minister of State for Trade Policy Penny Mordaunt.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said this step comes in line with efforts to bolster bilateral cooperation in various fields, as Shoukry is scheduled to hold several meetings in this regard.
The FM first met with British Minister for South Asia, North Africa, the United Nations and the Commonwealth at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Lord Tariq Ahmad.
Hafez said Shoukry welcomed the open dialogue between Cairo and London on various issues of common interest, as well as the ongoing communication between the two sides.
They underscored the importance of launching the Egypt-UK partnership council, which will contribute to further enhancing joint action and bilateral cooperation, as well as increasing British investments in Egypt and the volume of trade exchange.
Talks also touched on the current global economic crisis and ways to mitigate its effects.
Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s participation in the upcoming international Ministerial Conference, which will be hosted by London on July 5, to promote freedom of religion or belief.
He cited Cairo’s achievements in this regard, as well as the state’s keenness to uphold the principles of citizenship, equality and non-discrimination among citizens.
Hafez said both ministers exchanged views on issues related to the human rights situation, in addition to several regional and international issues of common interest, including the situation in Libya and the ongoing developments there.
