Egypt, Austria discuss stronger ties and regional stability at Antalya forum

CAIRO - 18 APRIL 2026: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger on Saturday on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties and exchange views on fast-moving regional developments.

During the meeting, Abdelatty said Egypt is looking to build on all tracks of cooperation with Austria and strengthen coordination on regional and international issues of shared interest, in line with the political consultation mechanism signed in Cairo in June 2025.

He stressed Egypt’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, especially in trade, investment, and the economy, including through reactivating the joint committee between the two countries and encouraging Austrian investment in Egypt, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

The foreign minister also expressed hope for closer cooperation in labor training and workforce organization, as well as the launch of academic and cultural exchange programs. He pointed as well to opportunities for joint work in renewable energy, information technology, and communications.

Abdelatty said there is also room for trilateral cooperation in Africa, drawing on Egypt’s broad experience in development and economic projects across the continent.

On regional issues, the minister briefed his Austrian counterpart on Egypt’s role in supporting regional security and stability, highlighting Cairo’s intensive efforts to contain the current escalation and support the course of U.S.-Iran negotiations.

He also outlined the main principles guiding Egypt’s position on regional crises, stressing support for peaceful solutions, respect for the unity and territorial integrity of states, and backing for national institutions.

The meeting reflected Egypt’s wider diplomatic push to strengthen partnerships in Europe while keeping regional de-escalation at the center of its foreign policy efforts.