Egypt, UK discuss Iran deal, Gaza plan, investments at association council meeting

CAIRO – 18 June 2026: Egypt and the United Kingdom discussed efforts to advance the next phase of the Gaza peace plan, regional security issues and recent diplomatic developments involving Iran during the third session of the UK-Egypt Association Council on Thursday.

Talks also covered boosting bilateral relations between both countries in various fields, including economic ties and investments.

Gaza, West Bank

During talks with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need to preserve the unity of the Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank and reject any measures that could undermine the two-state solution.

On Gaza, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's efforts to move parties toward the second phase of President Donald Trump's peace plan.

This includes ensuring sustained humanitarian access to Gaza, deploying an international stabilization force to monitor the ceasefire and secure aid deliveries, and enabling the national committee for Gaza's administration to assume its duties inside the enclave.

Iran Deal

The foreign minister also outlined Egypt's recent contacts with regional partners in support of the US-Iran negotiation track.

He welcomed the announcement of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Sudan, Lebanon

The two ministers additionally exchanged views on developments in Sudan and Lebanon.

Cooper hailing Egypt’s efforts aimed at supporting stability in the Middle East.

Investment, Economic Ties

Abdelatty highlighted promising investment opportunities in these key areas, including renewable energy, infrastructure, financial services and banking.

He stressed Egypt's keenness on increasing bilateral trade and British direct investment and boosting the economic, commercial and investment relations between the two countries.

The foreign minister called for greater engagement by the private sector in both countries through existing cooperation mechanisms in Cairo and London.

He also reaffirmed Egypt's interest in expanding cooperation with the United Kingdom in green growth, education, migration and defense.

The session was attended by representatives from Egypt's investment, trade, finance and planning ministries, according to a statement by the foreign ministry.

The association council serves as the mechanism responsible for overseeing the implementation of the association agreement signed by the two countries in December 2020.

Egypt and the UK already maintain substantial economic ties.

UK government figures show that bilateral trade in goods and services totaled £5.1 billion in 2025, comprising £2.9 billion in British exports to Egypt and £2.2 billion in imports.

Meanwhile, Britain's outward foreign direct investment stock in Egypt stood at £3.6 billion at the end of 2024, according to the figures, with hundreds of British companies operating in the country.