
By Manal Abdel Fattah
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received today Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, as part of the New Zealand minister’s visit to Egypt during the period from March 31 to April 2.
Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesman and director of the Public Diplomacy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the meeting dealt with the overall bilateral relations between Egypt and New Zealand, especially since this year witnesses the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the inauguration of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as the two ministers agreed on the importance of exploiting this occasion to give More momentum to advance the strengthening of bilateral cooperation frameworks in various fields.
In a related context, Minister Shoukry expressed Egypt’s aspiration to host a round of political consultations at the level of assistant foreign ministers during the current year, which represents an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in various frameworks and fields.
At the level of economic cooperation, the official spokesman stated that Minister Shoukry expressed during the meeting the Egyptian side’s aspiration for New Zealand to stimulate private sector companies to invest in Egypt, taking into account the legislative incentives and positive developments witnessed in the investment environment, stressing in the same context the importance of supporting communication between departments. Business from both sides, in a way that advances the great economic potential that both Egypt and New Zealand possess.
On the other hand, Minister Shoukry appreciated the cooperation between the two countries in multilateral international forums, and New Zealand’s participation in the multinational forces and international observers in Sinai from its inception until now, which Egypt considers an appreciated contribution.
Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid added that the meeting touched on in depth a number of regional and international issues of common interest, most notably the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip, where the New Zealand Minister was keen to listen to Minister Sameh Shoukry’s assessment of the various aspects of the crisis, as well as the efforts made by Egypt. To facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, mediation efforts to reach a permanent and immediate ceasefire, and mobilize international efforts to ensure the continued transfer of aid.
In a related context, Minister Shukri warned of the continuing catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the need for the Security Council to ensure the immediate implementation of Resolution 2728 and the entry of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in a safe, rapid and unhindered manner.
The Foreign Minister also renewed Egypt’s categorical rejection of any scenarios targeting the forced displacement of Gaza’s residents, or the ground invasion of the Palestinian city of Rafah.
In connection with the regional developments taking place in the region, the New Zealand Minister was keen to listen to Minister Shoukry’s assessment of the Egyptian efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan, including the initiative of neighboring countries and the intensive contacts that Egypt is conducting with all parties to work to reach a ceasefire and assist the Sudanese brothers in their efforts. Reaching a national consensus on the future of their country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also reviewed Egypt’s assessment of the overall situation in the region, particularly the situation in Libya, Syria, and Egyptian/Iraqi/Jordanian cooperation, in addition to developments regarding threats to navigational security in the Red Sea, and their repercussions on the movement of navigation, international trade, and the security and stability of the region.
The official spokesman concluded his statements, noting that the two ministers agreed on the importance of continuing the pace of communication in following up on bilateral cooperation proposals and exploiting the momentum represented by the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as continuing consultation on regional and international issues of common interest.