Egypt’s PM In UAE On First Official Foreign Visit

Egyptian interim Prime Minister Hazem El-Beblawi arrived in the United Arab Emirates Friday for a three day trip, making the Gulf state his first foreign visit since he was appointed in July.

According to state-owned news agency MENA, the purpose of the trip is to enhance ties between the two Arab countries, in addition to securing possible future investments, as the UAE vows to continue offering Egypt much-needed aid.

The UAE staunchly supported the ousting of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, depositing $3 billion into the Egyptian central bank, in addition to sending seven fuel shipments worth $225 million to Egypt shortly after his removal.

In early September, Al-Ahram’s Arabic news website said that Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, pledged an additional $2 billion in aid, comprising deposits and grants to support Egypt.

El-Beblawi is scheduled to meet with several UAE officials, including his Emirati counterpart, VP Mohamed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, and UAE President Khalifa Zayed Bin Nahyan.

Accompanying the Egyptian PM are his VP and Minister for International Cooperation Ziad Bahaa El-Din, the Governor of the Central Bank Hesham Ramez, and ministers of investment, trade, industry, housing and petroleum.

Source : Ahram