Strengthening Ties: UAE Welcomes New UK Consul, Egypt Expands Cooperation with UK
On March 18, 2025, the UAE welcomed Sarah Mooney as the new UK Consul General. Simultaneously, Egypt engaged with the UK to enhance trade and humanitarian efforts, underscoring significant economic ties. Notable discussions involved medical assistance to Gaza and international cooperation in healthcare advancements. The exchanges signify a deepening commitment to collaborative efforts and mutual respect between the nations involved.
On March 18, 2025, Rashid Abdullah Al-Qasir, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai, officially presented the consular credentials to Sarah Mooney, the newly appointed UK Consul General for Dubai and the Northern Emirates. During the ceremony, held at the Ministry’s office, Al-Qasir expressed his best wishes for Mooney’s success, emphasizing the significance of this appointment in strengthening the diplomatic relations between the UAE and the UK.
Simultaneously, high-ranking officials from Egypt and the UK engaged in crucial discussions to enhance bilateral trade and investment. Dr. Badr Abdel-Aaty, Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Minister, met with Yasmin Qureshi, the UK Parliament member and British Trade Envoy for Egypt. Together, they highlighted the substantial trade volume, which approaches 5 billion pounds sterling, and underscored the importance of building upon existing partnerships established, such as the Egyptian-British agreement from December 2020.
In addition to trade discussions, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar convened with Qureshi to address humanitarian efforts, particularly Egypt’s commitment to providing medical assistance to Gaza. Their meeting, held at the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, focused on Egypt’s initiatives to deliver healthcare support to those affected by recent conflicts. Abdel Ghaffar stated, “We are committed to humanitarian principles… providing medical support… to Gaza,” highlighting the active measures being taken.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the Ministry spokesperson, detailed Egypt’s strategic plans for rebuilding Gaza’s healthcare system, emphasizing immediate needs such as medical exams and vaccinations for children. With 150 ambulances on standby at the borders, these efforts reflect Egypt’s readiness to address urgent healthcare requirements efficiently.
The discussions also covered the collaborative role of international organizations, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, in responding to health crises. Particular emphasis was placed on leveraging British advancements in treating serious conditions like cancer and diabetes, with potential collaborations in mind for British firms such as AstraZeneca.
Yasmin Qureshi commended Egypt’s proactive contributions toward supporting Palestine, stating, “I deeply appreciate Egypt’s efforts to support Palestine.” This mutual respect serves as a foundation for broader cooperation in various sectors, particularly healthcare and humanitarian aid.
British Ambassador Gareth Bayley also participated in these discussions, recognizing Egypt’s essential role in regional stability. He invited Abdel Ghaffar to the upcoming British Egyptian Business Association meeting in May, expressing optimism for continued collaboration.
Overall, these diplomatic engagements not only address immediate challenges but also foster a long-term partnership framework between Egypt and the UK, illustrating a commitment to mutual advancement and cooperation in various domains.
The diplomatic exchanges between the UAE and the UK, alongside collaborative discussions between Egypt and the UK, signify a robust commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. The appointments and meetings reflect mutual respect and an eagerness to address both humanitarian needs and economic growth, setting the stage for strengthened partnerships in the future.
Original Source: evrimagaci.org
