Egypt, Pakistan eye furthered cooperation to boost economic ties: Ambassador

CAIRO – 2 March 2018: Egypt and Pakistan are looking forward to enhance their mutual cooperation in different fields, said Pakistani Ambassador in Cairo Mushtaq Ali Shah who paid a visit to the headquarters of Egypt Today this week.

During a meeting with Egypt Today’s editorial team, Shah spoke about his first visit to Egypt in 1986, his assignment in 2015, and how he sees his role as an ambassador as crucial to revive historic relations between both countries.


Pakistani Ambassador to Cairo Mushtaq Ali Shah during a tour at Egypt Today's headquarter

Discussions outlined cooperation framework between both states that enjoy “excellent” military cooperation, as described by the Pakistani ambassador, who said that both countries are not satisfied with the volume of trade exchange does not exceed $200 million.

According to Shah, an economic forum is expected to be held in Cairo within the coming months, where top Pakistani businessmen and institutions will be in attendance to discuss investment opportunities in Egypt, including the New Suez Canal Axis as well as introduce Egyptian investors to Pakistani market.

“Egypt has a strategic role in the region, and it is the second biggest economy in Africa...and Suez Canal controls around 8 percent of global trade,” stated Shah.


Pakistani Ambassador to Cairo Mushtaq Ali Shah during a tour at Egypt Today's headquarter


In terms of efforts of fighting terrorism, Ambassador Shah said that both Egypt and Pakistan have “very close cooperation” that includes the exchange of intelligence information and exercises as they both are directly targeted by terror groups.