President "El Sisi" held expanded summit talks with Japan's Prime Minister

Osaka – Eco – Fady Labib : Today, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi held expanded summit talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe in Osaka. The two countries' delegations attended the meeting ...

Prime Minister Abe welcomed President El Sisi on his second visit to Japan, which shall contribute to strengthening the outstanding bilateral relations between Egypt and Japan, notably their growing cooperation. He confirmed that Japan accords special interest to its relations with Egypt, particularly their bilateral cooperation and political consultations, given Egypt's pivotal role in its regional milieu and the Middle East.

Japan's Prime Minister underscored his country's commitment to cooperating with Egypt to push forward the comprehensive development process envisioned in Egypt's strategy for sustainable development 2030. Prime Minister Abe reiterated Japan's determination to continue to intensify efforts to implement joint ventures in the various areas agreed upon, particularly education, culture, technology, energy and transport. This is in addition to the Grand Egyptian Museum which is considered to be an icon for cultural cooperation between Egypt and Japan, and which is expected to bolster the tourism sector in Egypt.

President El Sisi emphasized that Egypt values its firm and fruitful relations with Japan which owns one of the world's ancient civilizations. The President congratulated Japan's government and people on Emperor Naruhito's ascension to the Throne following his father Emperor Akihito.

On bilateral relations, President El Sisi confirmed Egypt's interest to build on the momentum generated by the regular meetings held between senior officials from the two countries to reach broader prospects of coordination and cooperation in an array of fields, notably developmental, economic, and investment areas. This is in addition to attracting more Japanese investments, capitalizing on the promising investment opportunities currently available in Egypt in the various sectors. The President stressed that Japanese companies are enjoying a good reputation in Egypt and are one of the main sources of foreign direct investment and advanced technological expertise in a multitude of Egyptian economic sectors. Japan's Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation for the Egyptian government's efforts to support and facilitate the work of Japanese companies operating in Egypt.

The meeting also tackled preparations underway to convene the seventh Tokyo International Conference of Africa's Development, TICAD 7, due next August in Yokohama, which will be held under the co-chairmanship of Japan and Egypt, in its capacity as chair of the African Union. This shall bolster the trilateral cooperation process between Egypt and Japan in Africa and contribute to achieving the developmental aspirations of the African continent. This makes the next TICAD 7 summit an opportunity to intensify the exchange of views between the two countries within this framework.

President El Sisi extended an invitation to Japan's Prime Minister to visit Egypt at the earliest opportunity. The President also looked forward for Prime Minister Abe to participate in the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum next year.