ISLAMABAD, 16 December 2006 — Pakistan and Egypt yesterday decided to set up a joint business council to promote bilateral trade. The agreement was reached following talks between Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and his Egyptian counterpart Aboul Gheit.
Under the new agreement the two countries will take steps to promote trade, commerce and investment, officials told reporters after the talks.
Pakistan and Egypt have signed five Memorandums of Understanding concerning trade and joint ventures. Kasuri and Gheit also reviewed progress in bilateral ties during the second round of the Pak-Egypt Joint Ministerial meeting.
Earlier yesterday Gheit, who arrived in Islamabad on Thursday, had a meeting with President Gen. Pervez Musharraf.
According to a Foreign Office statement, Gheit delivered a message from President Hosni Mobarak to President Musharraf and discussed regional situation with the president.
The situation in Palestine and Iraq also figured at the talks, officials said. Gheit conveyed Egypt’s concern over the situation in Palestine and Iraq.
Pakistan and Egypt share views on the global war against terrorism.
