Egypt’s Foreign Minister Seeks Enhanced Cooperation with Belgium on Artifact Recovery

وزير الخارجية ونظيره البلجيكي.

Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Maxime Prévot, on Monday during the EU-Egypt Partnership Council meeting.

Minister Abdel Aty praised the strong relations between Egypt and Belgium, emphasizing the importance of building on the momentum from recent high-level visits. He expressed a desire to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, particularly in economic, investment, educational, and health domains. He highlighted the promising opportunities available for Belgian companies to benefit from the investment guarantees provided by the European Union to Egypt as part of their strategic partnership.

He also welcomed Belgium’s supportive role for Egypt within the EU and expressed hope for its continuation and strengthening in the future.

The minister underscored Egypt’s commitment to including the country among destinations for Belgian economic missions. He reviewed recent economic reforms undertaken by Egypt and pointed out the attractive investment incentives and opportunities present in the Egyptian market.

Additionally, Minister Abdel Aty emphasized Egypt’s focus on recovering Egyptian artifacts that have been illegally taken from the country, viewing them as an integral part of Egypt’s cultural and historical heritage. He expressed eagerness to enhance cooperation with Belgian authorities in efforts to recover these artifacts.

The meeting also addressed several regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two ministers exchanged views on developments regarding Iran, welcoming the agreement reached between the United States and Iran.

Furthermore, Minister Abdel Aty updated his counterpart on the Palestinian issue, stressing the importance of implementing the first phase of the U.S. President’s plan and commencing work on the second phase. He highlighted the need for the National Committee for Gaza Management to begin its tasks within Gaza promptly and called for a swift deployment of international stabilization forces to support efforts aimed at restoring security and stability.