Press release

PM phone call with President Sisi of Egypt: 3 August 2016

Prime Minister Theresa May spoke with Egyptian President Sisi and discussed a new chapter in bilateral relations between the UK and Egypt.

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

This afternoon President Sisi of Egypt called the Prime Minister to wish her success in her new role.

The President said he looked forward to opening a new chapter in bilateral relations and to strengthening co-operation across a range of areas.

The Prime Minister and the President discussed the current suspension of UK flights to Sharm el-Sheikh Airport. The Prime Minister said she recognised the economic effects of the suspension, given the importance of the tourism industry to Egypt’s economy and she praised the Egyptian government’s ongoing efforts to improve security at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport. The Prime Minister said the government would continue working closely with the Egyptian government on this important issue.

The leaders spoke about the security situation in the Middle East and the Prime Minister said that she recognised that Egyptian prosperity and stability was vital to the region.

The Prime Minister noted that the UK is the largest foreign direct investor in Egypt and said the UK would do everything possible to support expansion of the Egyptian economy and further investment.

The leaders concluded by once again expressing a wish to open a new chapter in bilateral relations and said they looked forward to meeting in the future.

Published 3 August 2016