Egypt and Algeria concluded two days of expert-level preparatory meetings in Cairo ahead of the ninth session of the Egyptian–Algerian Joint Higher Committee, which will be chaired by the prime ministers of both countries. The talks were co-led by Egypt's Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and Algeria's Ministry of Industry. More than 50 bodies from both sides took part, including ministries responsible for foreign affairs, industry, health, communications, social solidarity, petroleum, finance, agriculture, electricity, tourism, investment, labour, local development, civil aviation, transport, housing, culture and education, along with a number of regulatory authorities and specialised agencies. Planning Minister Rania Al-Mashat said the meetings reflected the depth of relations between Egypt and Algeria, noting the long-standing historical ties and the shared commitment of both governments to strengthen economic cooperation. She said the joint committee offers an important platform to advance a strategic partnership and activate cooperation frameworks across multiple sectors. Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt's continued coordination with the Algerian side at both technical and ministerial levels to ensure the committee's work translates into practical outcomes. She added that her ministry oversees about 55 bilateral and high-level joint committees with partner countries, which help drive cooperation and create new opportunities for the private sector. Delegations discussed a broad agenda, including increasing bilateral trade, boosting joint investments and expanding cooperation in industrial investment, industrial integration, petroleum, gas, mining, electricity and renewable energy. The talks also covered agriculture, livestock, fisheries and other priority economic areas. The ministry said the committee's activities reflect the determination of both countries to deepen economic, trade and investment ties in support of shared development goals. Economic and technical cooperation between Egypt and Algeria has expanded since the establishment of the Joint Higher Committee. The eighth session, held in Algiers in mid-2022, resulted in several cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding across development-related sectors.
