Egypt and Uzbekistan Strengthen Ties in International Coordination

Prime Minister and Uzbek Foreign Minister.

On Saturday morning, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly welcomed Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov at a meeting attended by Mansour Bek Kelechev, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Egypt, and Amr Hamza, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Madbouly expressed his appreciation for the positive momentum and increasing interest from both nations in enhancing their close ties. He emphasized Egypt’s desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan across various areas of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister reiterated Egypt’s commitment to continuing coordination with Uzbekistan in international forums. He highlighted the importance of boosting economic collaboration through projects and investments that would increase trade volume between the two countries, considering the available opportunities. Additionally, he expressed hopes for establishing an Egyptian-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and convening a joint business council while pursuing negotiations for a preferential free trade agreement.

Madbouly pointed out that Egypt’s strategic location offers Uzbekistan access to markets in many countries across the Middle East and Africa. He noted the positive impact of several Egyptian companies operating in Uzbekistan, particularly in infrastructure, as well as Egyptian investments in electrical equipment production, with potential collaboration in pharmaceuticals.

The discussion also covered regional developments and Egypt’s ongoing efforts to resolve crises and reduce tensions while enhancing security and stability. The Prime Minister emphasized Egypt’s vision regarding these issues, especially concerning efforts to settle the Palestinian issue.

In response, Bakhtiyor Saidov expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Egypt. He conveyed greetings from Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Saidov praised President El-Sisi’s efforts in addressing regional crises and expressed his eagerness to develop relations with Egypt across various fields of mutual interest. He affirmed that this visit represents a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations.

The Uzbek Foreign Minister also highlighted his country’s interest in initiating joint projects with Egypt, particularly in infrastructure development. He emphasized the need to enhance bilateral relations through regular meetings of business councils and increasing trade volumes to match the strong political ties between both nations.

Saidov underscored the importance of the Egyptian market for accessing neighboring countries’ markets while noting Uzbekistan’s significance for Egypt’s entry into Central Asia. He outlined several areas for potential collaboration, including agricultural equipment manufacturing by leveraging free zones in Egypt, as well as cooperation in automotive production, fertilizers, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

He commended Egypt’s economic progress while noting that Uzbekistan has also witnessed significant development that could support mutual cooperation.

The Uzbek minister reiterated his country’s support for ongoing efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue and establish an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He mentioned Uzbekistan’s assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza, particularly concerning healthcare. The meeting also addressed avenues for bilateral cooperation within international forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Madbouly directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation along with Egyptians abroad to implement all proposed cooperation initiatives discussed during the meeting effectively.