H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with H.E. Mariam Khalifa Al-Kaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates and Permanent Representative to the Arab States League in Egypt, to discuss ways to enhance mutual relations between the two countries.
During the meeting, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat welcomed the UAE Ambassador in Cairo, highlighting the unique nature of Egyptian-UAE relations and the distinguished cooperation between the two nations, as well as their shared history and culture. H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the Egyptian government's commitment to reinforcing bilateral ties, as evidenced by frequent visits between the leaders of both countries and the deep-rooted historical relationship.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat focused on the joint efforts to strengthen relations through various mechanisms, including the joint committee, aiming to expand collaborative development efforts. Dr. Al-Mashat also addressed the advancements in industrial partnerships involving Egypt, the UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain, marking a new phase of economic relations with the launch of the Integrated Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Development in areas such as agriculture, food, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, textiles, metals, and petrochemicals.
H.E. affirmed the government's efforts to attract and encourage both domestic and foreign investments and stimulate private sector growth to improve the overall financial and economic performance of the country, meeting the aspirations of the Egyptian people for development and progress. Al-Mashat highlighted the commitment to creating a conducive environment for UAE investments across various sectors and enhancing cooperation through initiatives supporting economic development and the transition to a green economy.
H.E. Minister Al-Mashat commended the UAE's support in the field of governmental excellence, including technical assistance for Egypt's Government Excellence Award to foster institutional development, innovation, and excellence through training evaluators, judges, and quality officials. She also noted the UAE's collaboration in government accelerators, future foresight mechanisms, and innovation in governmental work.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat expressed gratitude to the UAE, represented by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, for its exceptional role in supporting and funding development projects in Egypt in line with the Egyptian government's development efforts and Egypt's Vision 2030.
The meeting also discussed the status of ongoing cooperation programs between Egypt and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, including grants for micro-projects.
Cooperation between Egypt and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development began in 1974, making the fund one of Egypt's key development partners, contributing to numerous priority projects in sectors such as agriculture, industry, electricity, housing, roads, and agricultural development.