PM, Egyptian counterpart discuss ties

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh on Sunday began his official visit to Egypt, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The premier met with his Egyptian counterpart Mustafa Madbouly to discuss bolstering bilateral relations and cooperation in all fields, most notably in economy, trade, industry, investment, the private sector and transport. 

During the meeting, Khasawneh and Madbouly highlighted the “depth of the historical relations that bind the countries” under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi.

They also stressed the importance of the tripartite cooperation between Jordan, Egypt and Iraq, which lays the foundation for deepening cooperation and economic and commercial integration and establishing major projects that will reflect positively on the countries and their peoples.

The meeting focused on increasing cooperation in the field of tourism between Jordan and Egypt, as well as linking tourist sites between the countries, especially Aqaba and Taba.

It also highlighted the importance of expanding joint cooperation in the fields of transportation, culture and media and expanding the electric connection between the countries.

The prime ministers discussed regional developments and issues of common interest. 

Khasawneh and his Egyptian counterpart Mustafa Madbouly will chair the 30th meeting of the Jordanian-Egyptian Joint Higher Committee on Monday.

Meanwhile, the preparatory committee of the 30th joint Jordanian-Egyptian Higher Committee held its meeting on Sunday, covering all issues related to enhancing cooperation in various fields.  

Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yousef Shamali and Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania Mashat co-chaired the meeting.

Shamali noted that trade volume during the January-November period of 2021 reached $812 million, adding that the share of Egyptian exports accounted for 73 per cent.

The meeting’s agenda covered all domains  of  shared interest, notably the fields related to  politics, economy, transportat, education, agriculture, standards and specifications, as well as customs, among others, he said.

Mashat reiterated her country’s keenness on advancing partnerships with Jordan, especially economic relations, highlighting ongoing coordination  over easing obstacles hindering trade movement, according Petra.