New Delhi, Dec 8 (NationPress) On Monday, India and Egypt engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing their strategic partnership during a meeting between Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the visiting Assyut Governorate Governor Hisham Aboulnasr in New Delhi.

During this meeting, the two parties explored economic opportunities across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, health, education, textiles, IT, and vocational training in Assyut Governorate.

"Secretary (South) Dr Neena Malhotra hosted a lunch for Dr. Hisham Aboulnasr, Governor of Assyut Governorate, Egypt, today. Both sides discussed economic opportunities in diverse sectors including pharmaceuticals, health, education, textiles, IT, and vocational training in Assyut Governorate of Egypt. They also discussed efforts to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries," the MEA posted on X after the meeting.

Earlier in October, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

"Pleased to receive Foreign Minister of Egypt, Dr. Badr Abdelatty. I conveyed my deep appreciation for my friend, President Sisi, for his crucial role in the Gaza Peace Agreement. The India-Egypt Strategic Partnership continues to grow from strength to strength for the benefit of our people, our shared region, and humanity," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

During this meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for Egypt's vital role in the Gaza Peace Agreement, expressing hope that it would lead to lasting peace in the region.

"Foreign Minister Abdelatty briefed the Prime Minister on the first India-Egypt Strategic Dialogue being held during his visit. The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in various areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, technology, energy, defence, and people-to-people ties," read a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

Abdelatty, on his first visit to India as Foreign Minister, held the First India-Egypt Strategic Dialogue alongside External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. EAM Jaishankar emphasized the shared commitment of India and Egypt to the progress of the Global South.

"India and Egypt share a commitment to the progress of the Global South and the strengthening of independence and freedom of choice of nations in world affairs. This solidarity will surely guide our discussions today," EAM Jaishankar stated in his opening remarks at the strategic dialogue.

EAM Jaishankar noted that the first India-Egypt Strategic Dialogue marks a milestone in bilateral relations that have seen increased cooperation in various domains since the elevation of their relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership in 2023.

"Our political contacts and coordination have been strong and sustained, including on the multilateral front. Our defence and security exchanges have expanded. Trade and investment continue to show promise, and we will discuss how to advance them. We can also explore opportunities in digital public infrastructure, fintech, pharma, space, startups, and green technologies. As befitting two ancient civilizations, cultural and people-to-people exchanges also hold significant importance in our ties," the EAM concluded in his remarks.