CAIRO, April 10 (MENA) - Egypt and Slovenia held Thursday a round of political consultations.

Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Wael Hamed and State Secretary for European and Political Affairs at the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs Marko Štucin, co-chaired the talks that took place at the headquarters of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The session was held within the framework of mutual interest in strengthening bilateral relations and exploring ways to enhance cooperation across various fields.

Discussions focused on boosting economic cooperation, increasing trade and investment exchange, and attracting direct Slovenian investments to Egypt.

Hamed highlighted Egypt’s favorable investment climate, pointing to the country’s competitive advantages, investment incentives, and particularly the opportunities offered within the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

The two sides also explored collaboration in several key sectors, including maritime transport, technology and artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.

They further discussed enhancing cooperation between the ports of Alexandria and Slovenia’s Port of Koper (Rijeka), as well as cooperation on migration issues and labor exchange and training, particularly in the fields of medicine and nursing.

The session also included a review of the contractual status of a number of bilateral agreements.

The consultations featured an exchange of views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern, especially in light of current developments in the Middle East.

Discussions addressed Egypt's efforts to reinstate the Gaza ceasefire agreement, initiate the second phase of the truce, and implement the Arab plan for the reconstruction of Gaza.

Slovenia was also also briefed on Egypt’s positions regarding developments in Libya, Syria, and Sudan, as well as the security situation in the Red Sea and its adverse impact on international trade.

The latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war were also discussed.

Slovenia expressed alignment with Egypt’s positions and commended its pivotal role in addressing regional issues, emphasizing its positive contribution to regional stability.

Both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges of visits between officials from both countries, with the aim of implementing the outcomes of the consultations and advancing bilateral relations, as well as reinforcing coordination on regional and international matters. (MENA)

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