CAIRO, Oct 7 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty held talks on Tuesday with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, who is on an official visit to Cairo, to discuss Egypt’s ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza.
The talks fall within the framework of mutual keenness to further strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in various domains.
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf said Abdelatty hailed the growing momentum in Egypt–Slovenia relations at both the political and economic levels, expressing Egypt’s aspiration to elevate these relations in line with the vast potential available to both sides.
The minister commended the positive results of the second session of the Egyptian-Slovenian Joint Economic Committee, voicing hope that its third round will convene in Cairo in the near future to help advance trade and investment cooperation and broaden partnership areas, particularly in clean energy, maritime transport, logistics, tourism, and higher education.
The talks touched on means to deepen economic and development cooperation, as well as Egypt’s invitation for Slovenian companies to benefit from promising opportunities in the Egyptian economy, particularly within the Suez Canal Economic Zone and national mega projects.
Discussions also covered expanding cultural and scientific cooperation, including academic exchanges between universities and research institutions in both countries.
Abdelatty stressed the importance of encouraging Slovenian tourism to Egypt, noting that tourism serves as a bridge of understanding and rapprochement between peoples.
The meeting also reviewed prospects for trilateral cooperation between Egypt, Slovenia, and African countries, in light of Egypt’s position as a key gateway to the African continent and its active role in African multilateral mechanisms.
The two sides discussed the potential for joint development projects in areas such as agriculture, water management, and infrastructure.
Abdelatty further highlighted Slovenia’s strategic position as a Mediterranean hub through the Port of Koper, which could facilitate stronger connectivity between African markets and Central Europe, and enhancing trade and investment flows between the two regions.
The two ministers also discussed coordination efforts in light of Slovenia’s current membership in the UN Security Council, stressing the importance of continued consultation on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Abdelatty lauded Slovenia’s firm support for Palestinian rights, particularly its recognition of the State of Palestine, as well as its efforts in the humanitarian field.
Shifting to the developments in the Gaza Strip, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s sustained efforts to reach a ceasefire and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, welcoming the initiative of US President Donald Trump to end the war.
He stressed the importance of building on the current momentum to launch a political process that would lead to implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with Al Quds (occupied East Jerusalem) as its capital.
The two sides also exchanged views on regional crises in Syria, Libya, Lebanon, and Sudan, reaffirming the need for political solutions that safeguard the unity, sovereignty, and stability of these countries.
For her part, Fajon commended Egypt’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability.
She affirmed Slovenia’s desire to expand cooperation in all fields in a way that serves the common interests of the two friendly nations. (MENA)
