January 13, 2015 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced that he will make his second visit to Egypt in under a year, on January 14 and 15, 2015. He will hold talks in Luxor and Cairo with senior government officials, including his counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, and Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
“Canada has been an ardent supporter of Egypt’s efforts to build a stable, inclusive, prosperous and democratic country based on respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law,” said Baird. “This trip will be an opportunity to further advance these priorities.”
On Wednesday, January 14, Baird will travel to Luxor, one of Egypt’s most picturesque historical sites, where he will meet with young leaders to discuss Egypt’s economic future, as well as Egypt’s democratic transition.
On Thursday, Baird will meet with his counterpart in Cairo to discuss issues of regional security, including the international fight against terrorism. Baird will also take this opportunity, as he has in the past, to discuss important consular issues.
Baird will also meet with some of Egypt’s most influential religious leaders to talk about religious freedom, an issue on which Canada has led the world since it created the Office of Religious Freedom.
“Canada views Egypt as an important player in the Middle East, as we saw with its work in brokering a ceasefire last year in Gaza,” said Baird. “We look forward to working closely to strengthen our political, economic, trade and social linkages, to the benefit of both countries.”
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