The second day of the Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC) started early Saturday with speeches from several Egyptian and Arab ministerial officials. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry welcomed several high-level international delegates during the Economic Summit, including Malawi's Minister of Industry and Trade Joseph Mwanavekha who expressed excitement at participating at the Summit. Mwanavekha added that his country is looking forward to future cooperation with Egypt, especially in the field of industry. Shoukry also welcomed US Congress delegate Steve King and the US ambassador to Egypt Stephen Beecroft, holding talks in which they discussed the strong US-Egypt relations. King stressed the Summit's importance and its "perfect" timing, mentioning the US's full support of Egypt's war on terrorism. Shoukry also welcomed the Japanese Parliamentary Secretary of Foreign Affairs, who expressed his country's full support for Egypt's development and stability and its war against terrorism. He said he looks forward to hosting President Al-Sisi on a visit to Tokyo. Meetings were also held with: the Union for the Mediterranean's Secretary General, which Egypt had helped in forming the Arab side of the union; and the secretary of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa). Both delegates expressed Egypt's vital role in development and trade, whilst also expressing condolences for the 20 Egyptian Coptic Christians, who were beheaded in Libya in early February by "Islamic State" (IS) terrorist group.
