SEVILLE, Spain, June 30 (MENA) - Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli on Monday affirmed that peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights through the implementation of the two-state solution based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al Quds city) as the capital of the future Palestinian state.

Madbouli made the remarks during a meeting with Norway’s Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust, on the sidelines of the UN fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) that kicked off on Monday and wraps up on Thursday in Seville, Spain.

The premier is taking part on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in the conference which is also attended by Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania al Mashat and Egypt's Ambassador to Spain Ihab Badawi.

During the meeting, Madbouli reviewed Egypt’s efforts to secure a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip, support reconstruction efforts, and provide humanitarian aid to its residents.

He expressed appreciation for Norway’s stance on regional issues.

Madbouli underscored the strong and time-honored ties between Egypt and Norway, a matter that was demonstrated during president Sisi’s recent visit to Norway.

He praised the strong partnership with several Norwegian companies operating in Egypt, especially renewable energy firm Scatec, lauding its significant contributions to Egypt's energy sector.

He voiced Egypt's eagerness to enhance cooperation with Norway, particularly in boosting trade exchange, in order to level up to the strength of the political relationship between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Madbouli and the Norwegian minister exchanged views on regional developments and efforts to promote peace.

For his part, Aukrust reiterated Norway’s keenness to deepen cooperation with Egypt.

He praised the successful partnership between Scatec company and the Egyptian government.

The Norwegian minister commended joint efforts to promote peace in the region, especially as regards the Palestinian issue, stressing the importance of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, delivering humanitarian aid, and beginning the reconstruction process. (MENA)

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