LOC20:15
17:15 GMT
Cairo – 10-8 (KUNA) – Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Ati and Norwegian Minister of International Development Osmund Økrost discussed today, Wednesday, developments in the situation in the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian issue.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that this came during a meeting between the two ministers, during which they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Egypt and Norway and discussed prospects for joint cooperation in various fields.
During the meeting, Minister Abdel-Ati appreciated the Norwegian position in support of the Palestinian cause and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and defending the principles of international law. He briefed the Norwegian Minister on the latest developments in the Egyptian efforts to stop the war in the Gaza Strip and the consultations hosted by Egypt in the City of Peace in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Within the framework of bilateral relations between the two countries, Minister Abdel Ati welcomed the growing level of relations between the two countries, pointing to the important visit made by the Egyptian President to Norway last December, which constituted an important milestone in the course of bilateral relations.
He valued the existing economic cooperation, especially in the field of new and renewable energy, pointing to the prominent role of the Norwegian company SCATEC in implementing energy projects in Egypt.
Minister Abdel-Aty affirmed full support for the company’s projects in Egypt, which contribute to strengthening trade and investment relations between Egypt and Norway, expressing his aspiration to complete the implementation of the company’s projects and work to localize the industry in Egypt.
He also stressed the importance of encouraging the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation to finance development projects in Egypt, especially in the fields of clean energy and fish farming, reviewing the economic and financial reforms that Egypt has witnessed during the recent period, which enhances the opportunities for attracting Norwegian investments.
Minister Abdel Ati stressed the importance of working to enhance trade cooperation between the two countries.
Within the framework of regional cooperation, the two ministers discussed opportunities for tripartite cooperation in Africa in light of the interest that Norway attaches to the continent and its issuance of a strategy for the African continent last August.
Minister Abdel Ati indicated the possibility of cooperation in this regard through the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development and the Cairo Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding in coordination with the relevant Norwegian agencies and funds.
He expressed Egypt’s aspiration for the Norwegian side to participate in the activities of the Aswan Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development scheduled to be held on October 19 and 20, which represents an important platform for strengthening partnership between African countries and development partner countries. (The End) A F F
