El Alamein: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani announced Thursday that the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt have signed four agreements in the areas of customs cooperation and regulatory work, in addition to development and health cooperation, and the establishment of the HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag, Egypt, expressing his hope that the hospital will constitute a qualitative leap for the health sector in the governorate.
During a joint press conference with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt HE Dr. Badr Abdelatty, following the seventh session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee, His Excellency emphasized the deep-rooted nature of Qatari-Egyptian relations, noting that they are fraternal and characterized by profound and firmly established ties, and that the two countries continuously strive to support and elevate them to new levels of cooperation in order to achieve the aspirations of the leadership of the two countries and the two fraternal peoples.
His Excellency said that the seventh session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee discussed ways to support and strengthen cooperation relations across various fields, as well as joint coordination regarding the current crises in the region.
His Excellency pointed out that HE President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed his support for joint efforts to find alternatives and solutions for supply chains, whether in relation to shipping lines or in various fields.
His Excellency also noted his meeting with HE Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, where they discussed the key joint projects between the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, voicing his happiness at the launch of the first phase of the "Alam Al Roum" project, and the hope that it will represent an addition to the projects implemented by Qatari Diar and Qatari investments in Egypt, as well as looking forward to discussing future opportunities in various fields, especially industrial fields, and in particular pharmaceutical industries.
Regarding the situation in the region, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs said that a number of regional issues were discussed during the meeting held with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty, especially the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.
He noted the pivotal stage that the region is currently going through after the Palestinian factions announced their acceptance of the peace plan and their readiness to move forward with the arrangements related to collecting weapons, as the chance is now for Israeli's side to make a choice.
His Excellency highlighted the significant and intensive efforts, partnership, and joint work undertaken by the State of Qatar with Egypt and Turkiye to reach this stage.
He voiced his hope that there would be a positive response from the Israeli side to implement its commitments, which it has not implemented since the first stage until now, as instead of dealing positively with these developments, it has continued to commit violations to this day, targeting civilians and escalating settlement activities, in addition to continuing attacks without deterrence, whether in Lebanon or Syria.
His Excellency stressed that Israeli actions represent a major factor in destabilizing the region, noting that the region continues to extend its hand for peace and stability, while these outstretched hands are being rejected.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also noted that the talks addressed a number of other issues in the region, particularly the crisis in Sudan and support for political solutions in Libya, where support for the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, Libya and all Arab lands was emphasized.
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani said that the region is going through difficult circumstances, especially since the beginning of the American-Iranian war, which has produced very harmful repercussions on the entire region, not just the Gulf region.
He indicated that he discussed with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty the efforts that the State of Qatar continues to exert in this regard within the framework of its mediation in partnership with Pakistan, in light of the current stalemate and situation that has hindered many things.
His Excellency stressed the necessity and importance of ensuring the freedom, security and safety of navigation, whether in the Strait of Hormuz or the Bab El Mandeb Strait, calling for a return to the situation as it was before the war, and stressing the need for international navigation not to be held hostage or used as a tool for political blackmail by any party, while condemning all those who obstruct this movement.
His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar will continue its efforts with its brothers in the Gulf States, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the region to support diplomatic solutions.
He expressed his hope that solutions will be reached soon between the two parties and a return to the memorandum of understanding and diplomacy instead of the language of escalation and blackmail.
HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of continued coordination and consultation between Qatar and Egypt, noting the anticipation of the eighth session of the Joint Higher Committee to be held in Doha.
In turn, HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty considered that the convening of the Joint Committee meeting comes at a time when political relations and the course of economic cooperation between the two countries are witnessing a qualitative leap, under the direct guidance of HE President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to elevate and deepen bilateral relations across various fields.
His Excellency added that the seventh session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee formed an opportune moment to hold extensive discussions with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani within the framework of the daily communication and consultation between the two sides, and to agree on interpreting the distinguished bilateral relations that unite the two countries into tangible steps that meet the aspirations of the two fraternal peoples, especially by doubling the volume of trade and commercial exchange between the two countries.
His Excellency noted that an agreement was reached to expand partnerships between the business communities of the two countries, and to look forward to holding the third edition of the Egyptian-Qatari Investment Forum, in addition to discussing the formation of a joint council for businessmen in the two countries, which would enhance mutual investment and trade relations.
He stressed the agreement on the need to build on the momentum witnessed in investment relations between the two countries, especially after the completion of the "Alam Al Roum" deal on the North Coast, where he expressed full welcome for the announcement of the launch of the first phase of the project a few days ago, in addition to the launch of other projects in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
His Excellency also noted that ways to enhance investment and trade relations between the two countries were discussed, as well as cooperation in the health sector, where an agreement was signed today regarding a grant provided by the Qatari side to establish the HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag.
He noted that the talks also addressed the significant development in relations in the energy sectors, both traditional and renewable, especially after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two countries in the field of energy in January, and cooperation in strengthening logistical corridors related to the transport and storage of energy between the two countries, in order to deal with any future challenges related to the issue of navigation.
He pointed out that there is a convergence of views between the two countries regarding the emphasis on freedom of navigation and the need for full compliance with the rules of international law, especially the International Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees full and complete freedom of maritime navigation.
His Excellency reiterated that the security of the State of Qatar and the security of the fraternal Gulf States are an integral part of Egyptian national security and collective Arab national security.
HE noted that HE President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi affirmed this during his meeting this morning with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.
HE the Egyptian Foreign Minister also stressed Egypt's full solidarity with the State of Qatar and the fraternal Gulf States in the face of any attacks targeting the State of Qatar and the region. He stressed Egypt's clear condemnation of the Iranian attacks on the State of Qatar and the Gulf States, considering them a blatant violation of the sovereignty of these fraternal States and a breach of the rules of international law, and that there is no justification or excuse for their occurrence.
His Excellency noted the continued close coordination between Cairo and Doha to push for a final and sustainable agreement on Iran that puts an end to the war and military escalation, addresses the security concerns of the fraternal Gulf states, and contributes to stability in the region. Regarding the Palestinian issue, His Excellency affirmed the existence of full coordination between the three mediators: Qatar, Turkiye and Egypt, noting that these efforts and coordination resulted in convincing the Palestinian factions to move and respond to the demands related to limiting and collecting weapons, which was accomplished thanks to the cooperation and coordination between the three mediators, and the multiple meetings hosted by Cairo in the presence of the State of Qatar and Turkiye.
His Excellency also stressed the need to focus now on implementing the roadmap, stressing that Israel has the choice now to fulfill its obligations and implement the requirements required of it according to US President Donald Trump's peace plan, whether with regard to the requirements of the first phase, which includes the entry of humanitarian aid and the requirements for early recovery and the rehabilitation of infrastructure and hospitals in the Gaza Strip, or the requirements of the second phase, especially with regard to restricting weapons, implementing the Israeli withdrawal from the Strip and stopping the targeting.
HE the Egyptian Foreign Minister added that this also includes enabling the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) to carry out its temporary tasks within the Strip, as well as deploying Palestinian police elements and the international stabilization force to monitor the ceasefire, leading to enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate right to self-determination and establish their independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions.
