El Alamein (Egypt), August 20 (QNA): The State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt have signed four agreements covering customs cooperation, regulatory work, development and health cooperation, including an agreement for the establishment of the HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag, Egypt.
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani announced the agreements during a joint press conference following the seventh session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee. He described the relations between Qatar and Egypt as fraternal and deeply rooted, emphasizing the two countries’ determination to strengthen cooperation and meet the aspirations of their leaderships and peoples.
The seventh session discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation across various fields, in addition to coordination on regional developments and crises.
Sheikh Mohammed said he discussed joint projects with Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, expressing satisfaction at the launch of the first phase of the “Alam Al Roum” project. He said Qatar looked forward to exploring further opportunities, particularly in industrial and pharmaceutical sectors.
The two sides also discussed economic and investment cooperation. Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty said the two countries seek to double trade and commercial exchange, expand partnerships between their business communities and hold the third edition of the Egyptian-Qatari Investment Forum. Discussions also included establishing a joint council for businessmen to strengthen investment and trade relations.
Health cooperation was another key area, with Egypt noting the Qatari grant for establishing the HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani Hospital in Sohag. The talks also covered energy cooperation, including traditional and renewable energy, logistical corridors for energy transportation and storage, and measures to address future navigation challenges.
Regional issues featured prominently in the discussions, particularly developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the intensive mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye and expressed hope for positive Israeli steps toward implementing commitments related to the peace process.
He stressed the importance of humanitarian assistance, early recovery, infrastructure and hospital rehabilitation in Gaza, as well as broader arrangements under the proposed roadmap. Egypt also emphasized the need for continued coordination among the three mediators.
The talks also addressed the crises in Sudan and Libya, with emphasis on political solutions and respect for their unity and territorial integrity.
Sheikh Mohammed stressed the importance of freedom, security and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab El Mandeb, calling for international navigation to remain free from political pressure.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s solidarity with Qatar and the Gulf states and stressed the importance of regional stability and diplomatic solutions. He said Egypt considers the security of Qatar and the Gulf states an integral part of Egyptian and collective Arab national security.
He also highlighted continued coordination between Cairo and Doha to support efforts toward a final and sustainable agreement concerning Iran, aimed at ending the war and military escalation, addressing Gulf security concerns and contributing to regional stability.
Regarding Palestine, Abdelatty said Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye had maintained close coordination in their mediation efforts. He stressed the need to focus on implementing the roadmap, including humanitarian aid, early recovery, reconstruction and other requirements concerning Gaza.
Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to continued coordination with Egypt, the Gulf states and other regional partners to support diplomatic efforts and resolve regional challenges.
The eighth session of the Qatar-Egypt Joint Higher Committee is expected to be held in Doha.