Gazette staff BRUSSELS - Egypt's Speaker of the House of Deputies (parliament) Dr Ali Abdel Aal confirmed the strength of relations between Egypt and Belgium. He said that Egypt was looking forward to boosting these ties through attracting more Belgian investments and through the exchange of official visits by parliamentary and trade delegations from the two countries. Abdel Aal also called for reinvigorating Belgian tourism to Egypt, especially since Egypt is secure and stable. Dr Abdel Aal was speaking Tuesday during a meeting, with the Speaker of the Flemish Parliament in Belgium, Jan Peumans, which was part of a series of meetings Abdel Aal held during his current visit to Brussels for talks with the President of the European Parliament and some officials. The speaker of the Flemish Parliament expressed his appreciation for the exemplary relations binding Egypt and Belgium. He said that the Belgian people were proud of the ancient Egyptian civilisation, and he pointed out that there was great potential for co-operation between Egypt and the Flanders region. Discussions also covered ways of strengthening economic and educational ties and promoting the activities of several companies, throughout Egypt. Dr Abdel Aal met the Chairman of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Siegfried Bracke, on the sidelines of his current visit to Brussels upon an official invitation from the Speaker of the European Parliament. During the meeting Tuesday, Dr. Abdel Aal said that there should be more parliamentary coordination and co-operation between the two countries on issues of mutual concern.
