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The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., met today with the Egyptian Foreign Minister and the Secretary General of the Arab League in Cairo as part of a working visit to the Middle East. This was the Tánaiste’s first visit to Egypt as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Speaking after his meeting with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, the Tánaiste said

“I was glad to have the opportunity to meet with Minister Shoukry in person in Cairo following many months of contacts. We discussed a broad range of issues including trade, human rights and regional issues. Egypt is the largest Arab country, and plays an important role in the region. I was particularly interested in Minister Shoukry’s insights on the Middle East Peace Process.”

The Tánaiste also met with the Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, where the discussions focused on the Middle East Peace Process and regional conflicts including Syria and Yemen. The Tánaiste said,

“I had an excellent discussion with Secretary General Aboul Gheit on regional issues and how Ireland can contribute to efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. I look forward now to my visit to Israel and Palestine in the coming days and to engaging with interlocutors there.”

During the visit the Tánaiste also met with the President of Egypt’s National Council for Women and met with leaders in the business community.