Egypt, Austria sign agreement to develop relations

​​​​​​​By Omar Alothmani and Rania Abu Shamala

ISTANBUL (AA) - Egypt and Austria signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a political consultations mechanism to develop and expand relations, according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The agreement was signed by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Austrian counterpart, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, during her visit to Cairo.

The statement said the two sides discussed "ways to support bilateral relations between Egypt and Austria and consulted on regional and international developments."

Abdelatty expressed his "hope to strengthen all aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries and build upon the results of high-level visits, the latest being the Austrian Chancellor’s visit to Cairo in March 2024," it said.

He affirmed the "keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields, especially economic, commercial, and investment, through activating the joint committee between the two countries, and encouraging Austrian investments in Egypt."

The statement also noted intensifying cooperation in labor organization, scientific, cultural, and tourism exchange, cooperation in renewable energy, as well as counter-terrorism efforts.

The two ministers addressed developments related to a ceasefire between Israel and Iran following a 12-day war, where Abdelatty emphasized the "need to consolidate the ceasefire and de-escalate tensions," reviewing "Egypt’s strenuous efforts to contain the situation between the two countries and promote political and diplomatic solutions."

Abdelatty also stressed the "necessity of paying attention to the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank," noting "Egypt’s efforts to resume the ceasefire in Gaza and facilitate the entry of humanitarian and relief aid to the Strip."

The Egyptian foreign minister stressed the "need to create a political horizon to implement the two-state solution and establish the Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital, considering it the only way to achieve peace, security, and stability in the region."​​​​​​​

He warned of the "seriousness of the situation in the West Bank amid ongoing Israeli military operations in its cities and villages," emphasizing the "need to stop settler attacks against innocent Palestinians."