Cairo, August 20 (QNA) - HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt Dr. Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the seventh session of the Qatari-Egyptian Joint Higher Committee in Cairo on Thursday.
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and further develop them, along with strengthening consensus and joint action across various fields.
The two sides affirmed their keenness to continue developing bilateral relations, building on the growing momentum reflected in high-level visits and ongoing coordination and consultation. They stressed the importance of holding the Joint Higher Committee regularly and translating the outcomes of its seventh session into practical steps that strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
In this context, the two sides commended the notable progress in economic and investment relations, with trade exchange between both countries increasing by 80 percent in 2025, alongside the continued growth of Qatari investments in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The two sides also highlighted the launch of a sustainable aviation fuel production project in the Suez Canal Economic Zone with direct Qatari investment, reflecting the growing momentum in economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The meeting also addressed consular and labor cooperation between both countries and the importance of continuing coordination in a manner that serves common interests and meets the needs of Qatar's labor market.
It discussed the latest regional developments, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and contain them, and to strengthen security and stability in the region, in addition to developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The two sides renewed their condemnation of Israel's declared rejection of the roadmap aimed at completing implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza, which was endorsed by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and accepted by Palestinian factions following intensive efforts exerted by mediators. They also condemned Israel's rejection of the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The two sides stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultation between the two sisterly countries and of unifying positions on current developments in support of efforts to consolidate regional security and stability. They reiterated their support for resolving disputes through diplomatic means, emphasizing the importance of integrated regional and international efforts to defuse tensions and prioritize dialogue.
The two sides also stressed the need to ensure maritime security, safety and freedom of navigation, particularly in the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, to maintain the smooth flow of international trade, enhance the security of vital maritime routes, and support regional stability.
The two sides further underlined the importance of continued coordination in support of the security, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Lebanon. They also stressed the need for Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory and for support to be provided to Lebanese state institutions, foremost among them the Lebanese army.
On Sudan, the two sides stressed their support for Sudan's unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national institutions, and rejected any attempts to divide it or establish parallel entities. They also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
The meeting also addressed developments in the Horn of Africa, with the two sides emphasizing the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region and to refrain from any unilateral moves that could threaten regional peace and security or violate international law.
The two sides agreed to continue close coordination and consultation between the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, and to build on the growing momentum in bilateral relations in a manner that serves the common interests of both countries and their peoples. (QNA)