According to a press release  from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defense, Cooperation, and Foreign Trade Luxembourg government, officials from Egypt and Luxembourg convened on 14 January 2025.

In Cairo, Xavier Bettel held political consultations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Badr Abdelatty, and a working meeting with the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Hassan al-Khatib.

He also had discussions with the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Transport. Additionally, Xavier Bettel met with leaders of several institutions and key figures from Egypt’s economic and financial sectors.

The meeting with Minister Badr Abdelatty was an opportunity to review the bilateral relations between Luxembourg and Egypt, explore ways to enhance economic engagement, and discuss current political issues. The two ministers welcomed the strengthening of bilateral ties, highlighted by the appointment of Luxembourg’s first non-resident ambassador to Egypt, Christian Muller, and the organization of the first ministerial-level political consultations. Regarding economic relations, Minister Bettel praised the increase in trade and emphasized that the swift establishment of a more favorable regulatory framework could further encourage trade between Egypt and Luxembourg.

The meeting also allowed for discussions on the situations in Gaza, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen. Concerning the Gaza conflict, Minister Bettel thanked Egypt for its efforts as a mediator and its humanitarian actions. Both ministers underscored the importance of a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the need for peace talks to lead to a lasting solution to the conflict, within the context of a two-state solution.

The meeting with Minister al-Khatib provided an opportunity to discuss the economic relations between Luxembourg and Egypt. The two ministers agreed to expedite discussions to finalize an air services agreement (ASA) and a double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA). Minister Bettel invited his Egyptian counterparts to Luxembourg to continue exploring the potential for economic and commercial relations, and to prepare, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce, a possible economic mission to Egypt by the end of the year.