Egypt and Italy discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and labour mobility during the first session of the Egyptian-Italian Joint Higher Committee in Cairo on Thursday, 3 September, according to a statement issued by Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs published on Friday, 4 September.
The meeting was co-chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, with several ministers and senior officials from both countries taking part.
Abdelatty highlighted the steady growth in trade between Egypt and Italy and expressed Egypt’s interest in attracting further Italian investment. He pointed to Egypt’s position as a logistics and trade hub and a gateway to African markets.
Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid called for the reactivation of the Egyptian-Italian Business Council and closer communication between businesses in both countries to turn trade and investment opportunities into concrete projects.
Energy and labour cooperation
Electricity and Renewable Energy Minister Mahmoud Esmat stressed the importance of continuing work on the planned electricity interconnection between Egypt and Italy, which would strengthen energy links between Egypt and Europe and support cooperation on the green transition.
Labour Minister Hassan Raddad said the two countries had agreed to finalise a memorandum of understanding on facilitating the entry and employment of Egyptian workers in Italy. The agreement would include vocational, language, and cultural training aligned with the needs of the Italian labour market.
Egypt raises Nile water security
Egypt’s water security was raised during the discussions, with Abdelatty describing the Nile as an existential issue and a matter of national security.
A protocol signed by the two foreign ministers included Italy’s reaffirmation of its support for international law, including the principle of not causing harm. Italy encouraged cooperation among Nile Basin countries in line with international law and called for an end to unilateral actions.
The meeting concluded with discussions on regional and international developments, including the Palestinian issue, Iran, Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa. Both sides stressed the importance of continued coordination on these issues and efforts to support regional stability.
Italy is one of Egypt’s key economic partners in Europe, with the two countries cooperating across trade, investment and energy. Their partnership has gained further momentum in recent years, including plans to strengthen electricity links between Egypt and Europe.
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