Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, British Minister of State for
the Middle East, South Asia, UN and the Prime Minister’s Special
Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict
reaffirmed the close ties between the United Kingdom and Egypt
during his second visit to the country, engaging in several
meetings with key Egyptian interlocutors.
Visiting Cairo for two days during the holy month of Ramadan,
Lord Ahmad met Egyptian officials, faith leaders and figures from
across business and civil society to discuss UK-Egypt
cooperation; discussing the UK’s commitment on religious harmony,
reaffirming Egypt as a key market for UK businesses and
investors, and recognising Egyptian efforts to reduce tensions in
the region
Meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sameh
Shoukry, Lord Ahmad discussed the situation in Israel and the
Occupied Palestinian Territories, thanking Egypt for its
unceasing efforts to promote peace and reduce tensions between
the two sides. The minister was clear that the UK firmly rejects
violence and unilateral action which will only serve to
exacerbate tensions, undermining efforts to achieve a negotiated
two-state solution. The two ministers also discussed Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine, and the negative effect the conflict has had
on the world economy, including in the MENA region.
Lord Ahmad later met the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed
Al-Tayyab, as well as with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Head of
the Coptic Orthodox Church. In his meetings with both leaders, he
discussed the vital importance of religious dialogue and
tolerance, especially during troubled times worldwide. Egypt has
always been an example of how different faiths can live in
harmony, and the minister was pleased to be able to meet with
some young Azhari scholars to discuss how religion can continue
to be a force for good regionally and globally.
Lord Ahmad also met with leading businesspeople and economists,
exploring how UK firms can continue to work with Egyptian
partners to seek out mutually beneficial investment
opportunities. Under Egypt’s Presidency of COP27, UK companies
have been making significant investments in the Egyptian
renewables sector, including in green hydrogen, and the minister
was keen to raise ambition further and identify future areas of
collaboration.
At an evening suhour held at the Embassy, Lord Ahmad was also
able to engage with a wide variety of prominent Egyptians from
across business, government and civil society, sharing his
experiences of Ramadan in the UK, and reflecting on how countries
and governments can live up to the ideals of the holy month.
During his time in Egypt, Lord Ahmad also met with the family of
Alaa Abd el-Fattah. He stressed that the UK continues to push for
immediate consular access, and Alaa’s release, and that he had
raised the matter directly with Foreign Minister Shoukry. In
addition, Lord Ahmad met with Karim Ennarah to discuss his case.
Completing the visit, Lord Ahmad met with Ahmed Hatem, Egyptian
actor and British Embassy social affairs ambassador, and with
experts in combating gender-based violence, to discuss how the UK
can support Egyptian organisations working in this field,
including through the new UK fund, ‘Laha wa Maha’, which supports
projects tackling gender-based violence.
Speaking after the visit, Minister of State for the Middle East
Lord Ahmad said:
“The month of Ramadan teaches us to reflect on ourselves and on
our connections to others, personally and professionally. In
doing so, it is clear to me that the partnership between Egypt
and the UK is of deep and lasting significance. From issues of
regional and global concern, such as reducing tensions in Israel
and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, or working together to
tackle the climate crisis, to issues of bilateral importance,
such as increasing mutual trade and investment, our partnership
is strategic and enduring.
“During my visit, I have met with Egypt’s political and religious
leaders to ensure our joint activity delivers positive change for
the Egyptian and British people. This includes tackling global
challenges such as the war in Ukraine, a matter which I discussed
with Foreign Minister Shoukry. It also includes helping the most
vulnerable in our societies, and I was delighted to meet with
some of the beneficiaries of UK aid here in Egypt, through the
‘Laha wa Maha’ Fund, to hear about the change it has made to
their lives. As we move forward, we must continue to discuss this
full range of issues – from trade, to aid, to human rights – to
strengthen our partnership further and achieve outcomes of
benefit to all.”
