Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon visits Cairo for discussions with
Egypt’s Foreign Minister on how to get more lifesaving aid to
Palestinians in Gaza to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian
situation
Lord Ahmad will discuss the need for an immediate stop in the
fighting, leading to a sustainable ceasefire without a return to
destruction, fighting and loss of life
Minister for the Middle East will meet businesses and civil
society to discuss deepening UK-Egypt ties
Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Middle
East, South Asia, UN, Commonwealth and the PM’s Special
Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, arrives
in Cairo today [27 March] for talks on Gaza.
In his third visit to the country, Lord Ahmad will meet Foreign
Minister of Egypt, H.E Sameh Shoukry, to discuss how the UK and
Egypt can work together to get more lifesaving aid to
Palestinians in Gaza, and to discuss the need for an immediate
stop to the fighting in Gaza, leading to a sustainable peace and
irreversible steps towards a two-state solution with Israel and
Palestine living side-by-side in security and peace.
The UK and Egypt have worked closely throughout the Gaza crisis.
The UK has trebled its aid commitment to the Occupied Palestinian
Territories this year, with much of the lifesaving support
delivered through the airport at Al Arish and Port Said, for
onward transfer into Gaza through the Rafah crossing.
Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for Middle
East, said:
On my third visit to Cairo since Hamas’ terror attack on October
7, I will be discussing with Egyptian counterparts how we can
make rapid and meaningful progress towards alleviating the
humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as how to end the fighting
in Gaza and achieve irreversible steps towards a two-state
solution.
Egypt is a vital partner, and boosting UK-Egypt ties will enable
our nations to work towards a shared goal - bringing greater
stability to the region.
As my visit coincides with the Holy Month of Ramadan, I am also
looking forward to celebrating Egypt’s unique culture.
There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to
Gaza, and the UK and Egypt have been vital players in the global
effort to significantly increase lifesaving aid to those in need.
The UK remains focused on getting more aid to those in need, by
air, sea and road. Working more closely with Egypt is critical to
international efforts towards achieving an immediate humanitarian
pause in the fighting.
Lord Ahmad’s two-day visit is taking place during Ramadan, where
he will attend a suhoor reception at the British Embassy in
Cairo. The Minister will meet prominent partners across the
Egyptian government and members of business and civil society to
discuss how the UK can deepen its strategic partnership with
Egypt.
The UK’s commitment to religious freedom will form an important
part of discussions, as the Minister reflects on his experiences
of Ramadan on the UK.
This visit follows ongoing diplomatic engagement with Egyptian
Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sameh Shoukry since the start
of the conflict, including Lord Ahmad’s call with Shoukry on 28
February - and the Foreign Secretary speaking to Shoukry at the
G20 Foreign Minister’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 22 February.
The UK Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary and Development Minister
have all visited Egypt in recent months, signifying the ongoing
importance of engaging with regional partners.
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