Egypt eyes broader cooperation with Azerbaijan, ambassador says

Egypt is seeking to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in culture, tourism and science, while also encouraging Egyptian companies to participate in reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan's liberated territories and strengthening ties between the two countries' think tanks, Egypt's ambassador to Azerbaijan, Hossam El Din Effat Mostafa Reda, said at a reception marking Egypt's National Day.

The ambassador noted that despite the strong political dialogue between Baku and Cairo, the full potential of bilateral cooperation has yet to be realised, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"We are moving in the right direction and have already achieved a lot together. However, there is still much work ahead. Today, there is a gap between the level of our political ties and our trade and economic cooperation. Consistent efforts are needed to overcome this gap," he stated.

The diplomat emphasised that the foundations of the current relationship were laid by Azerbaijan's National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who stressed that Egypt and Azerbaijan share far more common ground than differences.

According to Hossam El Din Effat Mostafa Reda, the traditions of friendship and mutual respect continue to deepen under the leadership of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

"The friendship between our leaders, both former and current, and their strategic vision for bilateral cooperation give us clear guidance," he added.

The ambassador further highlighted that Egypt and Azerbaijan are responsible members of the international community, recalling that both nations have hosted major global events, including UN climate conferences — COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh and COP29 in Baku — as well as sessions of the World Urban Forum, with WUF12 held in Cairo and WUF13 scheduled to take place in Baku.

In his words, both countries consistently advocate for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov