Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry asserted on Monday Egypt's keenness to further its relations with the European Union (EU) during a meeting with EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica in Cairo. The meeting took up means of boosting cooperation in various areas of mutual concern, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said, adding that the minister emphasised the need to deepen ties on all levels. Shoukry apprised the commissioner on the latest developments in Egypt, especially the results of the country's ambitious economic reform programme and its vision for achieving comprehensive development, Hafez added. Shoukry stressed that the EU is Egypt's number one trade and investment partner. The officials also discussed several mutual challenges, the spokesman said, noting that Shoukry shed light on Egypt's counterterrorism efforts as well as its successful policies in dealing with irregular migration. The two officials also explored the possibility of establishing a trilateral cooperation framework that involves the African Union, Hafez said, adding that the minister told the senior EU official about Egypt's priorities during its current presidency of the African bloc.
