US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry asserted Egypt is already in a position which enables the country to lead in transition to renewable energy. Egypt has chances for becoming the first country in solar and renewable energies worldwide, Kerry told reporters following talks with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry at the Foreign Ministry's HQ on Wednesday. Shoukry and Kerry held talks earlier to discuss recent concerning the climate change issue as well as cooperation in the field of renewable energy Kerry further said Egypt has been chosen to play host and chair an upcoming meeting of a UN conference for climate "COP 27" in 2022. So the US is working together with Egypt as far as next steps are concerned, added Kerry. In statements after the talks, Shoukry reiterated Egypt's commitment to strategic partnership and cooperation with the US. Climate change is a topic to build on to boost joint cooperation, said Shoukry. He said he met with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad and Shoukry to discuss ways of promoting cooperation on the climate change file. During his meeting with the Prime Minister, US special presidential envoy said that his country will encourage US companies to invest in Egypt in the fields of renewable energy and electric vehicles, Cabinet Spokesperson Nader Saad said He also extended thanks to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for Egypt's commitment towards environmental and climate change issues. Kerry added he was keen to make Egypt his first stop in his regional tour, highlighting Egypt's efforts to establish the largest solar station in the world. From his side, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly hailed the strategic Egyptian-US ties, stressing that the US is a key partner to Egypt. Madbouly welcomed growing investments of the US companies in Egypt, noting that he would work on removing all obstacles facing US investors. He reviewed Egypt's efforts to address climate change, referring to plans for getting cars to operate by natural gas in lieu of diesel oil. He also noted that the country has encouraged the use of electric cars in order to achieve sustainable development goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Prime Minister added in the meeting that Egypt is working on expanding the establishment of water desalination stations, highlighting its issuance of green bonds.
