Egypt interested in hiring Maltese business consultants

Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo has sealed a "successful" visit to Egypt, as the two countries pledged to hold regular political consultations and exploit potential business opportunities to the maximum.

Malta has agreed to hold annual political consultations at foreign ministerial level on a regular basis with both the Arab League and with Egypt.

During a whirlwind two-day visit, Dr Frendo held meetings with the country's top authorities, including Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit and the head of intelligence Omar Suliyman.

At a meeting with Foreign Trade Minister Mohammed Rasheed, the two sides discussed the collaboration between Maltese and Egyptian businessmen in connection with the sale and marketing of Egyptian goods in the EU and the investment in the economies of both countries, particularly in the area of tourism.

Egypt was particularly interested in hiring the services of Maltese consultants as its business community tries to penetrate European markets. Malta and Egypt also discussed how best to tap funds available in the framework of Euro-Med and the European Neighbourhood Policy and the use of Malta's financial services sector by Egyptian companies. It was in fact agreed that Malta Enterprise officials and Maltese businessmen should meet their counterparts in Egypt with a view to forging possible joint ventures.

The two sides also discussed the teaching of Arabic to Maltese diplomats and Malta's candidature to host the Secretariat of the General Fisheries Council of the Mediterranean.

Dr Frendo also held meetings with Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League, which holds talks with the EU twice a year.

The Foreign Minister said that the Egyptians clearly acknowledged that Malta's political relevance has been strengthened with its accession to the European Union, as confirmed by Mr Moussa who reportedly said that Malta was considered to be a friendly voice of the Arab world in the EU.

The two sides discussed reform in the Arab world and the Middle East and Iraq conflicts.