FM Paet: Egypt has an Important Role to Play in the Establishment of the Union for the Mediterranean
27.06.2008
Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet met today with the Assistant Foreign Minister of Egypt, Ambassador Hisham Badr. Bilateral relations between Egypt and Estonia, partnership between the European Union and Mediterranean countries, situation in the Middle East and Darfur were discussed.
Foreign Minister Paet noted that Egypt has an important role to play in the creation of the Union for the Mediterranean. “Hopefully is the idea of the union viable, as it would remarkably enhance the cooperation between the European Union and Mediterranean countries,” stated Paet. The proposal for creation of the Union for the Mediterranean was raised by the President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007, to enhance economic, environmental and educational cooperation.
Both Paet and Badr agreed that the relations and cooperation in the different international organizations between Estonia and Egypt are good. Taking into account the position of Egypt in the region, Estonia has deputed a diplomat to Cairo who is preparing the opening of the Estonian Embassy in Egypt. Foreign Minister Paet also brought up the question about the possible visa-freedom for Estonian citizens travelling to Egypt. “In winter, Egypt is one of the most popular travelling destinations for Estonians, last year nearly 60,000 Estonians visited the country,” said the foreign minister.
Assistant Foreign Minister Badr forwarded an invitation for a visit to Urmas Paet, from the Foreign Minister of Egypt Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Estonian Foreign Minister invited his Egyptian colleague to visit Tallinn.
SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE
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