Astana, Kazakhstan, Oct.23
By Daniyar Mukhtarov - Trend:
Kazakh Foreign Minister Erlan Idrissov and Egypt's Minister of Industry and Trade Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour discussed the cooperation issues during a meeting in Astana on Oct.22, Kazakh Foreign Ministry said.
"The sides discussed the issues related to the development of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and Egypt in the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union as well. They emphasized the reliable and constructive partnership between the two countries which mainly focuses on the development of relations in the spheres of economy, trade and investments, energy, agriculture and other fields," the ministry said.
The two sides said that Kazakhstan and Egypt have similar positions on many regional and global issues.
Idrissov said Kazakhstan regards Egypt as a reliable and constructive partner in the African, Middle East and the Arab world, adding that his country attaches great importance to the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the countries and peoples.
Kazakh foreign minister also stressed the importance of intensifying the work of the Kazakhstan-Egypt Business Council by renewing its composition and involving businessmen which have real interest and opportunities to work with partners in a foreign country.
The sides also emphasized the importance of increasing the effectiveness of the work of Kazakhstan-Egypt intergovernmental commission on trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian, scientific and technical cooperation.
Talking about Egypt's cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union, Idrissov welcomed Egypt's intention to sign a free trade agreement with this new structure.
"Certainly, the new format of cooperation could give our countries more opportunities to expand the trade and economic relations and increase the volume of trade turnover," he said.
Idrissov proposed Egypt take part in the formation of the Islamic Organization for Food Security, with headquarters in Astana. He said this organization could ensure Egypt's food security and implement various assistance programs for countries.
During the talks, the sides stressed the role of the economic forum of the League of Arab States, Central Asia and Azerbaijan as a new platform for establishing strong trade, economic and cultural relations between the Central Asia and the Arab world.
Kazakh foreign minister called on Egypt to actively participate at EXPO-2017 International Specialized Exhibition.
Edited by CN