Dr. Workneh holds discussions with his Egyptian counterpart

Foreign Minister Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, who has been to Cairo, Egypt for a daylong official visit held discussions with his Egyptian counterpart Samih Shukry on ways of enhancing relations between the two countries.

Dr. Workneh thanked the people and the government of Egypt for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to his delegation and took the opportunity to express deepest sympathies of the government and the people of Ethiopia to the people of Egypt over the loss of innocent lives following the recent terror attacks on Egyptian Coptic churches.

Dr. Workneh said Ethiopia and Egypt are two nations with long history and unique civilization, adding that the two countries are bound together through the longest river Nile. Noting that the relationship between the two countries has been improving over the last three years, Dr. Workneh emphasized on the need to hold regular consultations and exchange of visits.

Dr. Workneh told his Egyptian counterpart that his visit convoyed the message of fraternity, solidarity and cooperation, one based on mutual trust and interest between the peoples of Ethiopia and Egypt. Underlining that the people and the Government of Ethiopia are committed to further deepen the historical ties, Dr. Workneh noted Ethiopia wouldn’t harm the interest of Egypt, further appreciating the two countries’ cooperation and coordination in the UNSC.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry described the discussions as “transparent and honest,” which he said was vital for both Egypt and Ethiopia to promote the best interests of the peoples of both nations, calling for further dialogue on the necessity of maintaining the relationship. He expressed Egypt’s desire to further strengthen its ties with Ethiopia in investment, trade other sectors of engagement.

Dr. Workneh also met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, during which the president noted that Egypt does not interfere in and conspire against the domestic affairs of other nations. El-Sisi described the Ethio-Egyptian relationship as an important and one that should further be improved.

Source: MoFA