WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty asserted the importance of the strategic partnership between Egypt and US in achieving security and stability in the region.

Abdelatty's remarks came at a meeting with some leaders of Hudson Institute in Washington, the US, Monday.

The foreign minister was received during his visit to the institute by its president John Walters.

Abdelatty had an interactive discussion with senior researchers and specialists in the institute about Egyptian-US ties as well as the regional developments and their serious implications for security and stability in the Middle East region.

He underscored the necessity of shoring up trade, economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

He also pointed out to the ambitious steps taken by the Egyptian state to make more economic reforms and improve the business environment to lure foreign investments.

The meeting offered a significant chance for reviewing the latest developments in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, in addition to the situation as regards Gaza, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, the Ethiopian dam and security of navigation in the Red Sea as well as efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

Abdelatty talked about the Egyptian position on the recent Middle East developments, with an emphasis on the Palestinian issue and Egypt's tireless efforts to implement Gaza ceasefire agreement, ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and kick-start Gaza early recovery and reconstruction efforts with the presence of the Palestinians on their land.

During the meeting he called for supporting institutions of the Sudanese state and underlined the necessity of reaching a ceasefire and respecting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Sudan.

As for the developments in Syria, the top Egyptian diplomat underlined the need for respecting the unity and territorial integrity of Syria and jump-starting a comprehensive political process in the country.

Additionally, he outlined Egypt's stand on the water security issue.

Abdelatty listened to viewpoints and assessments of US experts in the Hudson Institute concerning different regional issues. (MENA)
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