Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt H.E. Sameh Shoukry called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
(Photo: Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore)

Common areas of interest discussed include climate change, education and supply chain connectivity

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt His Excellency Sameh Shoukry made an Official Visit to Singapore from 16th to 17th March 2022 as part of a regional visit to Asia.   Minister Shoukry called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana today. Prime Minister Lee reaffirmed the longstanding ties between both countries, noting that Egypt was among the first countries to recognise Singapore’s independence. Prime Minister Lee expressed Singapore’s support for the Egyptian presidency of the 27th UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP-27), and expressed appreciation to President Abdelfattah Al Sisi for his invitation to attend the COP-27 Summit in November 2022.    

Minister Shoukry separately called on Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, who is also Chairman of Singapore’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change (IMCCC). Senior Minister Teo exchanged views with Minister Shoukry on Egypt’s priorities for COP-27.

He conveyed Singapore’s readiness to work with Egypt and other countries to advance global climate action, and to strengthen bilateral cooperation on sustainability and environmental issues. They also discussed regional and global security developments, and underscored both countries’ common interest in strengthening religious cooperation and promoting inter-faith dialogue. 

During his visit, Minister Shoukry had a meeting with and was hosted to breakfast by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Education Dr Mohamed Maliki Osman. The Ministers reaffirmed warm bilateral ties, and agreed to explore cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Minister Balakrishnan noted that many Singaporean students at Al Azhar University had returned to serve the Singaporean Muslim community, including the present and past Muftis.

Both countries also share a mutual interest in promoting supply chain connectivity given their strategic locations along the key shipping routes. The Ministers had a wide-ranging exchange of views on regional and global developments. In addition, Minister Shoukry met Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and was hosted to lunch by Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli. 

Egyptian Foreign Minister H.E. Sameh Shoukry called on…