Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State, and Chairman of the Coordination Office of the UAE-funded Development Projects in Egypt, has said that the relationship between the UAE and Egypt is based on pillars of solid foundations laid down by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and evolved over time to become one of the most important bilateral relations that the UAE shares with another country. Speaking to editors from a number of UAE and Egyptian newspapers, Dr. Al Jaber said that UAE-Egypt relations have continued to grow under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, adding that over the years, the two countries have collaborated in many fields, including through the exchange of knowledge and expertise which has significantly impacted in strengthening mutual brotherly bonds. Al Jaber said that when the Egyptian economy and society began to struggle following a period of instability from late 2010 until June 2013, the UAE leadership issued directives vowing to stand by Egypt, and contribute to its stability and the process of strengthening its economic and social development. The minister added that a consultation with the Egyptian government to determine urgent needs led to the establishment of the Coordination Office of the UAE-funded Development Projects in Egypt. The strategic goal of the office is to provide support to Egypt, including implementing vital projects in the energy, housing, food security, education and vocational training, healthcare, and transportation fields. Dr. Al Jaber noted that the UAE also provided assistance with the preparation of Egypt's economic recovery plan, and was involved in a number of initiatives designed to stimulate the flow of foreign investments to the Egyptian market. Al Jaber added that these projects have created around 900,000 temporary and permanent job opportunities, and benefitted 10 million Egyptian citizens. He went on to say that the UAE also contributed to mobilising economic and political support for Egypt through a number of international and regional forums. The minister told reporters that the UAE is looking forward to the forthcoming opening of the new Suez Canal channel, which will have a significant and essential role in promoting economic activity in Egypt. He also called on Egyptian, Arab, and international private sectors to explore the available opportunities of the project.
