The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdel Atti, called for the establishment of a specialized Egyptian investment body. The goal of this body will be to coordinate the country's investment activities across the entire African continent, as Cairo seeks to expand the presence of Egyptian companies in the African market.
Badr Abdel Atti made these remarks during a meeting with the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid. During this discussion, both ministers addressed measures aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and supporting Egyptian enterprises operating in African markets. The proposed structure should unite state institutions, the banking sector, and private companies for centralized management of investment processes.
Furthermore, Abdel Atti insisted on creating a comprehensive database containing priority investment opportunities and projects across Africa. This will help Egyptian firms more effectively identify and realize potential directions. He emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to engage with the governments and institutions of African countries to assist Egyptian companies in overcoming administrative and regulatory barriers, thereby improving access to African markets.
Badr Abdel Atti also presented Egypt's initiatives aimed at promoting development in African states. These include a mechanism for financing feasibility studies and implementing infrastructure and development projects. The organization of the Export Credit Guarantee Company of Egypt was also mentioned, which is intended to provide guarantees to reduce risks for Egyptian companies investing in Africa. He noted that closer cooperation between the public and private sectors is crucial for strengthening Egypt's economic influence on the continent, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 development strategy.
For his part, the Minister of Investment, Farid, stated that the private sector is a key element in strengthening Egypt's economic ties with African countries. This contributes to increasing trade turnover, attracting joint investments, and deepening commercial and investment partnerships. Farid added that Egyptian companies have proven themselves as reliable executors of major development projects in African markets, and the government intends to build upon this success through new mechanisms focused on priority sectors.
He also reported that the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade works through its affiliated agencies to deepen trade and investment integration with African states. This is achieved by utilizing existing trade agreements that provide preferential market access for Egyptian exports, as well as by providing support for expanding the operations of Egyptian companies across the continent.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdel Atti, and the Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawy, held a briefing for representatives of foreign embassies in Cairo on Sunday, July 5, 2026. The event aimed to present information on investment opportunities and recent changes in Egypt's energy and mining sectors.
Badr Abdel Atti noted that this meeting takes place during a period of escalating problems in global energy markets, caused by regional and international events. He emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation for strengthening energy security and diversifying energy sources.
Furthermore, he presented Egypt's advantages as a regional energy hub, pointing to its favorable strategic location, developed infrastructure, and existing investments in both traditional and renewable energy sources, without forgetting the country's potential in mineral extraction.
For his part, Karim Badawy outlined several measures adopted by the government to increase the attractiveness of the oil, gas, and mining sectors for investors. These measures include providing incentives for exploration and production, updating investment agreements, and ensuring timely settlement with foreign partners.
He also highlighted investment opportunities through the Egypt Upstream Gateway platform, seismic survey programs in various regions, and prospects in the natural gas infrastructure and petrochemical industry. During the meeting, the expansion of cooperation in the energy and mining sectors was also discussed, as well as recent steps taken to improve Egypt's investment climate and simplify the work of foreign companies.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdel Atti, stated that Egypt will maintain intensive contact with Qatar, Turkey, and Palestinian factions, including Hamas. He emphasized that efforts are not ceasing, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza is necessary in accordance with the plan of US President Donald Trump.
These statements were made by Abdel Atti in response to journalists' questions during a joint press conference on Saturday, July 4, 2026, with the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica. Abdel Atti stressed that contacts 'have not stopped and will not stop.' Egypt is working to reach an agreement on two key issues: arms control and collection, as well as the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, which is preparation for the second phase of the Trump plan.
He also noted that Egypt will continue to make efforts and exercise maximum patience to stimulate positive interaction with arms control proposals based on the document presented to Palestinian factions, including Hamas.
Separately, the minister announced that work continues within the quadripartite structure, as well as through constant contacts with the United States, Iran, and other key states, to maintain progress in negotiations at the technical level. A recent quadripartite meeting held in Cairo was mentioned.
Regarding the main areas of cooperation between Egypt and the European Union in the coming period, the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, stated that resilience, readiness, and migration are interconnected pillars within the Mediterranean Pact. She emphasized that the EU seeks to support talent and partnerships, and that Egypt is an indispensable partner for the European Union.
During the press conference, Šuica added that readiness and migration 'will lead us to prosperity,' and also noted the EU's involvement in this process and the importance of human development.
For his part, Abdel Atti mentioned an important project with Greece in the field of legal migration that will allow both sides to 'benefit and gain.' On matters of key initiatives with the European Commission and areas of progress, Abdel Atti stated mutual commitment to the full implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement.
He pointed out that the European Union has allocated 1.8 billion euros to support the private sector and investments, emphasizing the need to ensure benefits for Egyptian companies from this support. Egypt also aims to become a hub for new and renewable energy, noting interest from European companies as well as non-EU countries such as Norway.
Furthermore, he mentioned some regulatory obstacles affecting Egypt's exports to European markets and called for technical support for renewable energy projects and capacity building.
Šuica emphasized the importance of regional stability, noting that grants already exist, but stability is necessary to attract European investors to the region. She also reported on the consideration of a financing platform worth 10.8 billion euros, adding that the green transition is extremely important and must be carried out in stages.
Abdel Atti responded that Egypt has adopted laws and regulations to facilitate and encourage investment, stressing its commitment to further strengthening the private sector. Assessing Egypt's efforts to combat irregular migration, Šuica called Egypt an indispensable partner in the region, especially regarding irregular migration, and stated the EU's commitment to supporting this partnership and assisting authorities in these efforts. She highly praised Egypt's strong efforts, calling migration a serious and sensitive global issue.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdel Atti, held a phone conversation with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Antonio Tajani, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
During the conversation, the sides discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and reviewed regional issues of mutual interest. Abdel Atti highly praised the growing momentum in bilateral ties, emphasizing Egypt's desire to expand cooperation to broader horizons in various fields.
Particular attention was paid to the economic, investment, and trade sectors, as both sides are interested in increasing trade turnover and achieving common goals. Furthermore, the ministers exchanged views on recent news regarding the negotiation process between the US and Iran.
They particularly noted the importance of utilizing the positive dynamic that emerged after signing the memorandum of understanding. This is necessary to create sustainable conditions that promote regional calm, security, and stability, as well as ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
