JAISHANKAR BEGINS FIRST-EVER BILATERAL VISIT TO EGYPT

For his first-ever bilateral visit, which is set to take place from October 15–16, Jaishankar is now travelling on an official two-day trip to Egypt.

In order to discuss fresh initiatives in India's collaboration with the important African country, Egypt, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will meet with prominent figures in the sphere of foreign policy here before his two-day trip there.

“A great start to my visit to Cairo. Met eminent personalities in the field of foreign policy. Thank them for their support for our relationship and insights into regional and global politics,” Jaishankar said in a tweet.

Jaishankar is in the nation at the invitation of his Egyptian colleague Sameh Hassan Shoukry.

As founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, Egypt and India have long had cordial relations based on shared history and culture.

The Egyptian Ministry of Culture hosts an annual cultural event called "India by the Nile" to honour the common cultural links between Egypt and other nations. Mr Jaishankar will speak at a meeting of the Egyptian and Indian business sectors in addition to interacting with the Indian community in Egypt, including students.

One of the main areas of attention during the visit will be the promotion of bilateral trade, commerce, and investments with Egypt, one of India's top trading partners in Africa. During FY 2021–2022, bilateral trade between Egypt and India reached a record high of USD 7.26 billion.

Over 3.15 billion dollars have been invested by Indians in Egypt. In a variety of industries, including manufacturing, chemicals, energy, infrastructure, retail, etc., more than 50 Indian enterprises have an active presence in Egypt.