There are no forbidden topics in the political field, as our President said today. This fact is also confirmed by the decision to open the Egyptian embassy in Minsk.
Joint large-scale work on the Suez Canal was also discussed. Belarus intends to participate in the creation of a special economic zone there. The shipping channel connects Africa and Eurasia. About 100 ships a day, which makes up 10% of the global cargo turnover pass through it.
Sobhi Saad, farmer: "Belarusian tractor is a sign of quality. It is ideal in power and price. It has no competitors and will cope with any conditions."
Belarusian tractors are popular with the Egyptians. A third of the them work in agriculture. Belarus opened the assembly production of tractors to make the equipment for this region. 200 vehicles are planned to be released this year and a thousand is considered for future.
Mustafa Hadhud Kamel, chairman of the board of directors of an agricultural company (Egypt): "Belarusian equipment has firmly entered the Egyptian market over the past 3 years. Belshina, Bobruiskagromash, Gomselmash, "Amkodor" have recently diversified the series of machines here. Launching the Belarusian assembly line in Egypt is being considered now."
Egypt is a reliable, beneficial partner. Our President has visited this country before and worked with different leaders, but the intensity in bilateral relations began with el-Sisi governance.
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi became the owner of the Belarusian Order of Friendship of Peoples among the cavaliers of the high awards like Putin, Aliyev and Chavez in Minsk last year.
The Heliopolis Palace, where the official negotiations start, was built over 100 years ago. The headquarters of the Federation of Arab Republics was located here before, and during two world wars this place was a hospital for British soldiers.
Egypt is trying to catch up with the world after the military conflicts, the economic and political crisis. When the Egyptian people elected Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as the Head of the State, the Middle East country has set great goals. Graduate of the Military Academy and former Minister of Defense el-Sisi much contribute to that.
The turmoil is over. Egypt is working to regain its central position in the Arab world and the Middle East. It is an important partner in this region for us and an access point to the large African continent.
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt: "Belarusian-Egyptian relations have been developing rapidly, especially after your previous visit. The ministers met a lot after that and the signed roadmap gave an impetus to cooperation."
Relations of Minsk and Cairo have been developing intensively in recent 3 years. The effect of common efforts gradually becomes noticeable. Trade increased by a third last year.
A pool of Belarusian industrial giants along the Nile is well established. A joint project was launched to create MAZ equipment. There is a production of combines and tractors in Alexandria. They are working on localization. "Amkodor", Minsk Motor Plant are expected as well.
20 millionth Cairo is often called the "gate to the east". The economy of Egypt is growing. More than half of the country's GDP is made by tourism and the transport of goods through the Suez Canal. Cairo initiates the creation of a special economic zone around it and Belarus is ready to participate.
Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt: "The location of Egypt and Belarus on the international map will open up new markets for Egyptian and Belarusian products both in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union and in the Arab world and African countries."
Belarusian experience for ambitious projects in Egypt
Infrastructure projects were taken up. More than 4000 enterprises also want to upgrade. This is the global course towards industrialization. The Belarusian experience, personnel, technologies will be very useful in the northern Africa.Belarus may take part in modernization of Egyptian enterprises. Pavel Utyupin, Minister of Industry of Belarus: "This is a chance for the domestic machine tool construction. Belarusian enterprises will not be able to cover all these objects, but even participation in 10-15% of them will be a good result."
New growth points are in innovation, education, science. We are ready to promote high-tech products from public safety systems to medical equipment to the Egyptian market. Without frames, the scale of tasks cannot be mastered. The Egyptians can come to study in Belarus. A system of grants is created for them. Joint training in technology, grant system, exchange of graduate students will be practiced.
The general situation in the Middle East is changing rapidly. The Presidents' agenda also included the international situation. The approaches of both countries to the main issues on the international scale coincide.
A package of documents was signed, following the talks, that will affect the dialogue of the countries. Governments will cooperate in education and help each other in customs matters. A common language was also found by the national banks. A high-level commission on cooperation and political dialogue will operate between the states.
Egypt plans to open an embassy in Minsk. The House of Representatives of Egypt discussed the usefulness of the parliamentarians contacts.
It is planned that the dialogue will continue tomorrow. There will be an exhibition of our common industrial and innovative achievements and opportunities. In parallel, a Council for Business Cooperation will meet.
The Belarusian-Egyptian exhibition will be held in New Cairo. El-Sisi started the construction of the new capital 5 years ago. Belarus can once again demonstrate the obvious advantages of cooperation with our country during the exhibition.
