Press Release
Foreign Minister visits to Egypt (16-18 February, 2021)
Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi undertook an official visit to Egypt from 16th to 18th February 2021. During the visit, the Foreign Minister called on President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, and held delegation-level talks with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, besides holding a meeting with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States.
In his meeting with the President, the Foreign Minister conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister and invited him to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. The President welcomed the invitation and promised to visit at an early date. Referring to the shared vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Sisi, the Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of increased high level visits and economic engagement to translate the shared vision and cordiality into a mutually beneficial partnership.
President Sisi warmly received the Foreign Minister and expressed great appreciation for the leadership and people of Pakistan and hoped that the two important countries can play important role in effectively addressing challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah.
During the delegation level talks, the Foreign Ministers agreed to carry forward the vision of their leadership to deepen bilateral relations, by holding the next session of the bilateral dialogue mechanisms in Islamabad and Cairo. Foreign Minister Shoukry graciously accepted the Foreign Minister’s invitation to visit Pakistan at an early date. During the joint Press Conference, the Foreign Ministers echoed each other on the commitment to take the bilateral relationship to new heights.
In his interactions during the visit, the Foreign Minister briefed his interlocutors on the humanitarian crisis facing Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the need for the international community to take action to stop the egregious human rights violations of Kashmiris.
During the visit, the Foreign Minister visited the Arab League Headquarters and met Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. The Foreign Minister congratulated the Secretary General for his re-nomination for a second term and wished him success. He appreciated Arab League’s role for Arab unity and unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause. The Foreign Minister stressed on the need for a dialogue mechanism between Pakistan and the Arab League to coordinate position on important issues of mutual interest.
Besides official meetings, the Foreign Minister also interacted with leading Egyptian businessmen, Pakistani community, and engaged with the local media.
Pakistan and Egypt enjoy close fraternal relations. The visit of the Foreign Minister would serve as a stepping stone for a stronger and broader partnership.
Islamabad
18 February 2021
