Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, on Thursday March 2, 2023 had a discussion on ways to boost economic and trade relations between his country and South America in meetings with his counterparts from Brazil and Argentina on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi, India.
According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, Shoukry discussed with his Argentinian counterpart Santiago Cafiero the importance of boosting bilateral economic and trade ties, especially since Argentina is Egypt’s second trade partner in Latin America.
The two ministers discussed the strenuous efforts being exerted to prevent interrupting global food supply chains as well as efforts to achieve fair and sustainable development for all countries around the world, foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said.
They also stressed the necessity of meeting the future needs of labour markets in a way that goes in line with the latest technological trends and secures labour rights.
The two officials also highlighted the importance of paying greater attention to the issues of climate change and education, the spokesman added.
Shoukry also lauded the ongoing coordination between the two countries at international forums, underscoring the importance of joint action to help improve the global economy and meet developing countries’ needs, he added.
The spokesman said that Shoukry and his Argentinian counterpart also exchanged views on ways to address current global challenges, including the crises of the coronavirus pandemic and global food shortages.
In a separate meeting on the sideline of the G20 foreign ministers meeting, FM Shoukry and his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira called for strengthening trade exchange and advancing the free trade agreement between Egypt and the South American trade bloc (Mercosur).
Mercosur is a sub-regional bloc that promotes free trade and the free movement of goods, people, and currency between Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
Shoukry lauded Brazil’s keenness to restore its role in the international arena and return to its commitment to international law, especially with regard to Middle East issues.
The Egyptian FM expressed appreciation for the participation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in COP27, saying that the new president of Brazil heralded a positive change in his country’s climate policy.
The pair exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, notably the food crisis and the fallout from the Russian-Ukrainian crisis on the world’s economy.
