Doha: HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani announced that Qatar and Egypt have signed four new agreements focusing on customs cooperation, regulatory work, development, and health cooperation. A significant highlight is the establishment of the HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag, Egypt, which is expected to enhance the health sector in the governorate.
According to Qatar News Agency, during a joint press conference with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates of Egypt, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the robust nature of Qatari-Egyptian relations. He noted the strong fraternal ties between the two nations and their continuous efforts to advance cooperation to meet the aspirations of their leadership and citizens.
The seventh session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee explored ways to further cooperation across various fields and addressed regional crises. Additionally, HE President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi expressed his support for joint efforts to find solutions for supply chain challenges.
Sheikh Mohammed also discussed key joint projects with Egypt's Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, expressing optimism about the "Alam Al Roum" project's first phase. He anticipates this project will complement ongoing Qatari investments in Egypt and looks forward to future opportunities, particularly in industrial sectors like pharmaceuticals.
Regarding regional issues, discussions with Dr. Badr Abdelatty covered developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the collaborative efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye in reaching a pivotal stage where Palestinian factions have accepted a peace plan. He hopes for a positive response from Israel, urging them to fulfill commitments and cease violations that destabilize the region.
The talks also addressed the crisis in Sudan and political solutions in Libya, emphasizing support for the unity and integrity of these countries. Sheikh Mohammed expressed concerns about the American-Iranian war's repercussions and the necessity of secure navigation in key straits, urging a return to pre-war conditions.
Looking towards future diplomatic efforts, Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of continued coordination with Egypt and the anticipation of the next Joint Higher Committee session in Doha. Dr. Badr Abdelatty echoed these sentiments, highlighting the qualitative leap in political and economic relations between the two nations under the guidance of their leaders.
Dr. Abdelatty also noted the expansion of partnerships between the business communities of both countries and efforts to enhance trade and investment relations. The agreement to establish the HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag marks a significant step in health sector cooperation.
The discussions further covered advancements in traditional and renewable energy sectors, logistical corridors for energy transport, and the emphasis on freedom of navigation. Dr. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's solidarity with Qatar and the Gulf States in facing regional threats, particularly Iranian actions, and emphasized the need for a sustainable agreement on Iran to ensure regional stability.
On the Palestinian issue, Dr. Abdelatty confirmed coordination among Qatar, Turkiye, and Egypt in mediating peace efforts and implementing a roadmap for progress. He stressed Israel's responsibility to meet its obligations and enable the Palestinian people to achieve self-determination and statehood.