Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt Nabil Fahmy and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada John Baird held a warm and productive meeting in Cairo, Egypt.

The Ministers exchanged views on prospects for cooperation between Canada and Egypt, bilateral matters including important consular issues, and a wide range of pressing regional challenges.

The two Ministers shared perspectives on global and regional issues of importance to both countries, including the threat of extremism and terrorism, the crisis in Syria, the Middle East Peace Process, and other Middle Eastern and African Issues. Ministers pledged to work together to address regional political, security and humanitarian challenges.

The Ministers committed to work closely together to build and strengthen political, economic, trade, social and cultural linkages between Canada and Egypt for the benefit of both countries. There are important opportunities for development cooperation in Egypt, reflecting Egypt’s priorities, including in partnership with other regional states committed to Egypt’s security and prosperity.

The Ministers’ discussion included Egypt’s ongoing transition to democracy ahead of Presidential elections planned in May 2014, as well as the political, economic and security situation in the country. The Ministers focused on how Canada can most effectively assist Egypt at this critical juncture, as Egyptians build a country that is democratic, secure and prosperous.

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