The meeting, which took place as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relations and economic cooperation between the two nations, was attended by Tunisia's ambassador to Cairo, Mohamed Ben Youssef, Egypt's ambassador to Tunisia, Basem Hassan, and Amani Al-Wisal, head of the foreign agreements and trade sector.
Al-Khatib said the meeting reviewed ways to develop the
strategic partnership between the two countries in various economic fields. He
also stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to increase trade and
investment and to expand cooperation to include priority sectors. This, he
noted, reflects the deep historical and fraternal bonds between the Egyptian
and Tunisian people.
The Egyptian minister added that economic relations with
Tunisia are a cornerstone of the country's drive to enhance regional
cooperation, pointing to broad opportunities for Tunisian companies to invest
and participate in investment and development projects in the Egyptian market.
Al-Khatib said the meeting underscores the two countries'
commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and working together to
achieve sustainable development and promote Arab economic integration.
He also highlighted the importance of balanced trade
relations that benefit both economies and the necessity of engaging the private
sectors of both countries to increase investment partnerships in areas of
mutual interest.
Al-Khatib further detailed Egypt's action plan to boost
trade with African countries, which includes establishing six logistics centers
in key African nations for Egyptian products. He added that efforts are
underway to activate a logistical transport system between Egypt and African
countries, noting the potential for cooperation with Tunisia to leverage its
capabilities for enhancing economic relations with the continent.
For his part, Tunisian Minister Samir Obeid affirmed his
country's commitment to supporting economic cooperation and expressed Tunisia's
desire to increase trade and expand partnerships to serve the common interests
of both nations.
Obeid stressed the importance of joint efforts to double
trade exchange rates within a specific timeframe and with effective follow-up mechanisms.
He also highlighted the need to adopt a successful economic cooperation model
between the two countries and to strengthen joint cooperation within African
countries under existing trade agreements.
Both ministers emphasized the interest of Tunisian businesses in investing in the Egyptian market across various sectors and the importance of activating investment partnerships between the two countries' business communities. They also stressed the need to identify priority investment sectors and create a roadmap and action plan for future investment cooperation.