The UK Middle East minister has praised what he described as “the pivotal” role Egypt plays regionally, saying it represents a pillar for security and stability in the Middle East.
James Cleverly, the UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, made his remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with Egypt s Ambassador to London Tarek Adel.
Both officials discussed the latest developments in a number of regional issues, including the crisis in Libya and the Palestinian issue, read a statement released by the Egyptian foreign ministry following the meeting.
Cleverly told the Egyptian Ambassador that London is looking forward to continuing coordination and consultation with Cairo as an important partner.
The meeting also tackled the Egyptian-British relations developments and efforts to strengthen them on various levels, according to the statement.
The two sides welcomed the signing of trade partnership deal, which will regulate the commercial relations between both countries when the UK s departure from the European Union takes full effect in January 2021.
On 5 December, Egypt and Britain signed a new association agreement that provides a platform to deepen trade and investment relations between the two countries after Brexit by securing free trade.
The agreement, expected to enter into force on 1 January after the United Kingdom ends the transition period to leave the European Union, ensures the continuity of preferential access to both markets as it secures the same advantages that have been provided by the Egyptian-European free-trade agreement.
Britons voted 52 percent to 48 percent in favour of leaving the 27-nation bloc in a referendum held on 23 June 2016.
The British government has signed and agreed in principle trade agreements with dozens of countries over the last two years in preparation for the post-Brexit period starting on 1 January 2021.
Cleverly and Adel expressed their keenness to continue pushing forward the bilateral cooperation programs in all fields, most notably healthcare, education and tourism, the statement added.
