SEVILLE, Spain, June 30 (MENA) - Egypt was the first African country to recognize the state of Nepal, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said, noting that the two countries share the same views on many regional and international issues.

Madbouli made the remarks during a meeting with his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli on the sidelines of his participation, on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, in the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), taking place in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3.

Asserting the need to work for bolstering economic relations to match the strong bilateral political ties, Madbouli suggested convening the two countries' joint committee and holding a forum for their business communities to promote cooperation across all sectors.

He said he is looking to greater cooperation with the South Asian country, especially in the education sector, given the large number of Nepalese students studying at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

Madbouli added he is also looking forward to welcoming the Nepalese premier in Egypt to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, the Nepalese prime minister hailed the distinguished ties binding both countries, as well as Egypt's historical support for his country.

He noted that Egypt was the first country in Africa where Nepal established an embassy in 1966, expressing his enthusiasm for participating in the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

He also expressed an interest in furthering bilateral cooperation at all levels.
(MENA)

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