CAIRO: Egypt’s government is keen to attract UK investment in the North African nation’s energy, food and agriculture sectors.

This was the focus of a meeting on Wednesday between Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Gillian Keegan, parliamentary undersecretary of state at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, who is visiting the country to participate in Cairo Water Week.

The two sides discussed several regional and international issues, foremost of which was the Ukraine-Russia crisis and its repercussions on global food and energy prices, especially in developing and African countries.

The talks also touched on developments and various crises in Africa including in Libya and Sudan.

Shoukry said the first meeting of the Egyptian-British Partnership Council held in July was an important milestone toward further strengthening of bilateral ties.

He welcomed the UK’s interest in water security, and thanked Keegan for her participation in this week’s events.

Shoukry briefed Keegan about Egypt’s preparations for COP27 — the global climate conference — to be held at the Sharm El-Sheikh resort.

Keegan tweeted: “With COP27 less than a month away, I met Foreign Minister and COP President-Designate Sameh Shoukry. The UK is ready to work with Egypt to ensure COP27 delivers for all. We also discussed regional issues, including our joint work to promote security and stability.”

Keegan also met Mohamed Shaker, Egypt’s minister of electricity and renewable energy, and wrote on Twitter: “Egypt is a potential green energy superpower. Delighted to meet ... Minister Mohamed Shaker, ahead of COP27 to discuss the huge opportunities available for UK firms investing in Egyptian solar, wind and green hydrogen.”