The UK's new Minister for Africa, Gillian Keegan, visited Egypt this week ahead of COP27, which is being held in Sharm el-Sheikh in November.
Keegan met with Egyptian Foreign Minister and COP President Sameh Shoukry to discuss how the UK and Egypt can work together to secure the best outcome in the upcoming climate negotiations, and to discuss Egypt's critical role in promoting stability across MENA.
As part of Cairo Water Week, the Minister delivered opening remarks at an event hosted by the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation (AGWA), and met British business people operating in Egypt and the Energy Minister, Dr Mohamed Shaker, to discuss the opportunities that exist for UK investment and expansion in the country, particularly in the renewables and the green technology market - including solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
Speaking after the visit, Keegan said:
"In less than a month, Egypt will host the world’s leaders for the United Nations climate conference, COP27, and it is essential that the negotiations are a success. After meeting with my Egyptian counterparts, I am heartened by the effort, the energy, and the enthusiasm shown by the Egyptian government in its preparations.
I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with young Egyptian leaders, both those working on climate, and young entrepreneurs. I was struck by the dynamism and the passion on display. We owe it to these young people, and to future generations, to make real progress in a month’s time.
Whilst in Cairo, I also met the family of Alaa Abd El-Fattah to express the UK’s sympathy and our commitment to his case. Mr El-Fattah is a dual Egyptian-British national: gaining consular access and ultimately securing his release is a priority for the UK. I raised our strong concerns about his ongoing detention with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry."