CAIRO, June 17 (MENA) – Egypt and the Netherlands held political consultations in The Hague.

Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs Wael Hamed chaired the Egyptian side, while the Dutch side was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcel de Vink, according to a press release. The talks were attended by officials from the Egyptian embassy in The Hague and representatives from relevant sectors of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The consultations are part of both countries’ coordination and cooperation in various sectors to review issues of mutual interest at both regional and international levels and exchange of views on key topics discussed in multilateral bodies and organizations.

Hamed reviewed the promising investment opportunities offered by Egypt, as well as the competitive advantages resulting from the economic reforms the country has implemented in recent years.

He emphasized Egypt's commitment to supporting the economic partnership with the Netherlands and enhancing mutual investment opportunities, welcoming visits paid by officials from major Dutch companies to explore the investment climate and incentives provided in many domains, including those of agriculture, water management, industry, digitization, infrastructure, financial services, and green hydrogen.

The assistant minister praised current cooperation between the two countries in the field of migration, expressing hope that the recently signed memorandum of understanding would be translated into joint projects.

He also voiced keenness to intensify training programs and technical cooperation between the relevant Egyptian authorities and their Dutch counterparts in light of the challenges Egypt faces and the burdens it bears due to reducing illegal migration flows to Europe via Egyptian shores.

The consultations addressed key regional and international developments of mutual interest, particularly in light of the ongoing escalation in the Middle East.

The two sides exchanged views on the escalating situation between Iran and Israel, as well as the restoration of the ceasefire in Gaza and the prompt resumption of humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged enclave. (MENA)

K F E/R E E