According to a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry, Shoukry and EIB President Hoyer discussed boosting and prioritising cooperation between Egypt and the bank in energy and green transformation, especially amid Egypt’s efforts to become an energy hub in the region.

Shoukry, as the president designate of the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP27), reviewed Egypt’s preparation to host the summit in November in Sharm El-Sheikh and highlighted the importance of financing provided by the EIB for developing countries to face climate change

Shoukry and Hoyer also exchanged views about the latest developments in the world food crisis as a result of the war Ukraine, where the Egyptian FM stressed the importance of increasing support given to Egypt to face this challenge.

Egypt is considered the biggest partner for the bank outside the EU, according to the Egyptian foreign ministry.

Meetings with Luxemburgish officials

Earlier on Monday, Shoukry met with Luxembourg Foreign Minister Asselborn, where they discussed boosting economic cooperation between the two countries, especially through increasing investments in light of the promising opportunities in the Egyptian market.

Shoukry hailed the ongoing cooperation between Egypt and Luxembourg in various domains.

Luxembourg's foreign minister visited Cairo last year and an Egyptian parliamentary team visited Luxembourg in May.

Shoukry also highlighted the importance of activating a political consultation mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries for continued coordination, especially with regard to issues of mutual concern.

The two ministers also tackled the importance of finalising two agreements on a double taxation ban and aviation services.

Shoukry urged enhancing cooperation in the energy domain as Egypt seeks to become a regional energy hub, referring to the government’s ambitious plans for a green transition.

During the meeting, Shoukry reviewed the efforts exerted by Egypt to gear up for COP27 next November.

Shoukry also met with Luxembourg’s Minister of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development Joëlle Welfring, where they discussed cooperation and coordinate in climate change issues.

The FM also met with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg Fernand Etgen to discuss enhancing parliamentary, cultural, economic and political cooperation between Egypt and Luxembourg and exchanging visits between the two countries' parliaments, the spokesman added.

Shoukry is in Luxembourg since Sunday to attend the ninth meeting of the EU-Egypt Association Council.

Shoukry and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell presided over the council's meeting.

During the meeting, the two sides endorsed a document on the EU-Egypt partnership from 2021 till 2027.