(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) British Foreign Secretary William Hague reaffirmed Wednesday that his government will continue to support the Egyptian people's aspiration for democracy.
Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy, Hague said: "The UK and Egypt have strong ties underpinned by a frank and honest relationship." "We cooperate on a wide range of issues of mutual interest from education to tourism. Our trade and investment ties remain solid, with British companies continuing to be the largest source of foreign direct investment into Egypt," Hague pointed out. "And I value our engagement with Egypt on foreign policy and security and discussed a range of issues during Foreign Minister Fahmy's visit.
The British Government follows political developments in Egypt with great interest. "We will continue to support the Egyptian people's aspiration for a full and functioning democracy in all its aspects, including an independent judiciary, a vibrant civil society and a free media in line with the commitments made in Egypt's new constitution," he affirmed. "Among other issues, I raised my concerns with Minister Fahmy about the trial of Egyptian and international journalists, the mass death sentence verdict in a recent court case and the general closure of political space in Egypt in recent months," he added.
Fahmy, who has concluded a two-day visit to London, also met other senior British officials including Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa Hugh Robertson, and Minister for International Development Alan Duncan and National Security Adviser Kim Darroch.
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