Ashraf AboArafe
Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, made a phone call to Mr. Paulo Ranger, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, on Friday evening, February 7, where the call discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries and the latest regional developments.
Minister Abdel Aati stressed the keenness to advance bilateral relations between Egypt and Portugal in the political, economic and cultural fields, noting that February 25 coincides with the 50th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He expressed his aspiration for the convening of the second session of the joint committee between the two countries, headed by the foreign ministers, to develop all aspects of bilateral relations, stressing the special importance that Egypt attaches to advancing trade relations and attracting foreign investments to Egypt.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also expressed his appreciation for the support provided by Portugal to Egypt within the European Union and his aspiration to continue supporting the implementation of the strategic and comprehensive partnership between Egypt and the European Union, especially the economic component and the adoption of the decision on the second tranche of the European financial package for Egypt worth 4 billion euros.
Minister Abdel-Ati welcomed Portugal’s supportive stance towards the Palestinian cause, and stressed the priority Egypt attaches to consolidating the ceasefire agreement and implementing all its provisions and three time periods, and the need to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Strip. He stressed that any visions for the next day in Gaza must be within the framework of the unity of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and include the return of the Palestinian Authority to the Strip. He stressed the need for the Palestinian population to remain in Gaza during the early recovery and reconstruction phase, stressing the need for the Palestinian people to regain their legitimate rights, foremost of which is their right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state geographically connected on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international references.
