Egypt and Armenia have agreed to enhance cooperation in various fields, especially in the economy and the exchange of expertise
On Saturday, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Yerevan on the first visit by an Egyptian President since Armenia's independence.
Sisi held closed talks with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan at the Presidential Palace in Yerevan, followed by an expanded meeting that included the two delegations.
Egyptian Presidency Spokesman Bassam Rady said Sisi voiced happiness for being the first Egyptian President to visit the country since establishing diplomatic ties about 30 years ago.
In a joint press conference with his counterpart, Sisi said his visit to Yerevan reflects Egypt's interest and appreciation for Armenia and desire to develop relations with it in various fields.
The Egyptian President pointed out that his country has historically hosted tens of thousands of Armenians who have made political, economic, cultural, and artistic contributions.
In turn, the Armenian President welcomed the historic visit of the Egyptian President, expressing "his country's appreciation for Egypt at the official and popular levels, and his pride in the extended ties that unite the two countries."
Khachaturyan expressed his country's aspiration to exchange technical expertise with Egypt and collaborate in the implementation of projects in Armenia in several sectors where it has the successful experience, particularly infrastructure and transport.
The discussions touched on Egypt's achievements in energy production, making it a promising investment destination.
Sisi said that the two sides agreed on the importance of joint work to increase trade exchange between the two countries, commensurate with their promising capabilities and distinguished political relations.
He said this would require activating current economic cooperation mechanisms, including the joint committee for economic, scientific, and technical cooperation and the business forum.
The talks also tackled regional and international issues of mutual concern in the Middle East and South Caucasus.
The Egyptian President stressed the importance of dialogue, negotiations, and efforts to achieve peace and give a decent life for everyone, especially amid current economic issues resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
Khachaturyan commended Egypt's pivotal role in consolidating stability in the Middle East and Africa, particularly in combating illegal migration, achieving interfaith coexistence, and supporting peaceful solutions to crises within its regional surroundings.
The two leaders exchanged views on combating terrorism and extremism and joining forces to confront the global economic repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.
They witnessed the signing of several joint agreements and memorandums of understanding between the concerned government agencies for cooperation in the scientific, technological, sports, and cultural fields.
Later, Sisi held talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and exchanged views on several regional issues.
The two sides agreed on the need to intensify coordination and consultation on issues of common interest in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, especially developments of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its global economic repercussions.
They asserted the need to boost cooperation to combat illegal migration through a comprehensive approach and eliminate the leading causes that encourage this phenomenon.
