Egypt, Ireland discuss cooperation on files of illegal migration, expat communities

State Minister of Emigration Soha Gendy received on Wednesday Ambassador of Ireland to Egypt, Nuala O’Brien to discuss means to boost cooperation in the fields of combating illegal migration and caring for expatriate communities.

During the meeting, Gendy said that the Egyptian-Irish relations are distinguished and there are several opportunities that would promote cooperation in different domains, according to a statement of the Ministry of Emigration on Wednesday.

Gendy asserted keenness on maintaining constant contacts with the Egyptians abroad to stand on their needs in line with the strategy of her ministry.

She said Egypt celebrates foreign communities that were living in it, citing as an example her ministry’s launch of the Roots Revival or Nostos initiative which highlights the enduring bonds that link the Greek and Cypriot communities with it, noting that the initiative carries a message of friendship and brotherhood from Egypt towards everyone who ever lived on its soil and left tangible and intangible impact on its heritage.

Gendy reviewed a number of fields which included honing the skills of nurses and providing them with training courses in hospitals and universities in Ireland.

The meeting tackled means to boost cooperation in the fields of agricultural investment and clean and renewable energy.

Meanwhile, O’Brien pointed out to the desire of her country to exchange expertise with Egypt in many areas and benefit from the Egyptian experience in the field of combating illegal migration.

O’Brien pointed out to the great cultural accord between the Egyptian personality and the Irish personality.

She expressed happiness over operating direct flights by EgyptAir between Cairo and Dublin, a step which she described as a turning point in the relations between Egypt and Ireland especially in the fields of trade, investment and tourism.