Meeting with HE Adel El Gazzar, Ambassador of Egypt,
Tuesday 20th January 2004, 7.00pm, Room E, 7 Millbank,
House of Commons
The Ambassador was introduced by the Chairman, Sir Ron Halstead CBE, who outlined his interesting background in Ottawa, Vienna and Moscow. He expressed delight that the Ambassador could come to talk to us and pointed out our close associations with his country.
Ambassador El Gazzar thanked the Chairman for the kind words he felt he didn’t deserve. He explained that this was an excellent and mutual opportunity to exchange views of common interest – a true partnership. This would be a unique time to discuss circumstances in the international arena. He called us to join forces in the face of polarising views and extremism.
Previous Development in Egypt
Late 70s
• development of a minimum economic viability; a viable economic entity. Changes became irreversible
• sustaining momentum of reform; pressures that would not be sustainable in a closed political system; measures and clear direction to liberalise political systems and society given sense of ownership and social participation; steady progress in deepening democratic institutions
• single party led to a vibrant Opposition; judiciary known for independence and often ruled against the Government in matters of constitutional nature; vibrant civil society – democratic reforms may be questioned but there can be no doubt as to the direction taken – the conclusion is that there has been a shift since late 70s especially in the economy; political openness lead to democratisation. However, the reality is still a way to go with many challenges ahead
• starting process for democratisation of Human Rights
• state security courts – hard labour penalty in penal law revoked
• in cases of Egptians married to non-Egyptians, the children can now be Egyptian with the new matriarchal rights
• family code established – marital status – wish to be like-minded with Europeans in many fields. Family courts now established.
Bilateral Relations with UK
In 1974 the Technical Cooperation Agreement was signed with the purpose of modernising cooperation relations in the economic, social, scientific, technical and educational fields. Further Agreements were signed encouraging investments between the two countries and also joint development projects.
Britain is the biggest investor in Egypt. The visits between the two countries are mutual and there are annual parliamentary visits.
Regional Issues
• Middle East peace process ongoing
• peace with Palestinian state, side by side with Israel – encouraging a sincere will to reach a comprehensive solution
• Iraq – Egypt hopes to see a prosperous and democratic Iraq. Egypt welcomes the 15 November Agreement to hand power to Iraquis, encourages energy and communications in Iraq and also UN assistance.
Conclusion
Egypt believes that Britain has a larger role to play, with its depth of knowledge and history of the Middle East region. The Ambassador hoped that he had shed some light on foreign relations issues and opened the floor for any questions.
Dr Charles Goodson-Wickes DL thanked the Ambassador. He expressed his admiration for the Egyptian leaders and felt confident that they would guide the Egyptian people through any problems.