Vietnam and Egypt Strengthen Bilateral Ties Through Political Consultation
Cairo, The Gulf Observer: Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Hằng held a courtesy meeting with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty and co-chaired the 10th political consultation between the two foreign ministries during her working visit to Egypt from November 28-29.
The two sides acknowledged significant progress in their cooperative relationship, particularly in the areas of economy, trade, and investment. Abdelatty commended Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and expressed eagerness to deepen ties, emphasizing the need for robust collaboration between governments and businesses. Describing the Vietnam-Egypt partnership as “special,” he advocated for dynamic cooperation across diverse fields.
Highlighting Egypt’s strategic location as a gateway to major markets in Europe, Africa, and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Abdelatty encouraged Vietnamese enterprises to explore investment opportunities in the country. Egyptian Assistant Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheen echoed this sentiment, urging Vietnamese businesses to transfer technology, foster collaboration, and leverage Egypt’s investment incentives.
Nguyễn Minh Hằng emphasized the long-standing relationship between the two nations, marked by over six decades of cooperation. She proposed measures to enhance political trust and expand bilateral cooperation, including promoting high-level exchanges and exploring collaboration in emerging sectors such as Halal products, renewable energy, food security, construction, and fisheries.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the potential of negotiating a free trade agreement to establish a legal framework for advancing economic ties. She suggested strengthening business connectivity, sharing information on opportunities, and facilitating mutual market access for key exports.
Both sides agreed to expedite preparations for the 6th Vietnam-Egypt Joint Committee meeting and the 3rd subcommittee meeting on industry and trade. They also discussed advancing agreements on double taxation avoidance, investment promotion and protection, and a memorandum of understanding between their chambers of commerce and industry.
On regional and international issues, the two sides expressed concern over the Middle East conflict and called for an immediate ceasefire and uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza. They reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution, envisioning an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders as the foundation for lasting peace.
Regarding the East Sea issue, Hằng urged Egypt to back ASEAN’s stance on peaceful dispute resolution in adherence to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Both sides reiterated their commitment to multilateralism and adherence to international law, agreeing to strengthen cooperation at regional and global forums to promote peace, development, and mutual prosperity.
