CAIRO, May 31 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty discussed with Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp ways to strengthen bilateral relations and the exchange of views on the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.

This came during a phone call Abdelatty had received from his Dutch counterpart Saturday.

Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Abdelatty praised the distinguished relations between the two countries in various fields, emphasizing Egypt's aspiration to enhance the economic partnership, attract more Dutch investments to Egypt and increase trade exchange between the two nations.

Khallaf added that the foreign minister highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation with the Netherlands in multiple sectors, including logistics, development of ports, renewable energy, healthcare, digitization, infrastructure, financial services, artificial intelligence, education, and scientific research.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation in the migration field, encompassing both the fight against illegal migration and the facilitation of regular migration.

The spokesperson noted that the call also tackled navigation security in the Red Sea.

Abdelatty reviewed the recent agreement in Yemen with the United States on maritime navigation security and international trade flow through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

He pointed out that the Dutch minister affirmed the Netherlands’ readiness to encourage Dutch companies to resume navigation in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, contributing to restoring normal traffic levels.

The two ministers also exchanged views on the latest developments in the Middle East region, particularly the catastrophic situation in Gaza.

During the call, Abdelatty condemned Israel’s decision to approve the construction of new settlements and its continued use of starvation as a weapon against civilians in Gaza, describing this as a blatant violation of international law.

For his part, the Dutch minister reiterated complete rejection of Israeli settlement expansions and stressed the need of ensuring the safe and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid into the war-torn strip. (MENA)
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