On February 7, 2024, ECFA received Ambassador Luis Estévez, Ambassador of Guatemala to Egypt and Dean of the ambassadors of the countries of the Latin American Group accredited in Egypt, accompanied by a number of Ambassadors of Latin American countries to Cairo, namely the Ambassadors of Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Uruguay, the Chargé d’Affaires of Venezuela, and the Chargé d’Affaires of Bolivia. Ambassador Mohamed El-Oraby, ECFA Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Ezzat Saad, ECFA Director, Ambassador Ayman Musharrafa, Coordinator of ECFA Standing Committee for Latin American Affairs, and Ambassador Ashraf Mounir, Deputy Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Latin American Affairs, participated from the Council’s side.

This meeting came within the framework of activating cooperation between ECFA and the ambassadors of countries of the region, as well as addressing the latest developments in relations between Egypt and Latin American countries.

Following are the main points raised during the meeting:

1- ECFA Chairman presented an overview of the nature of the Council’s work, members, papers, actions, and events it organizes. The meeting also discussed the main crises witnessed in the region, especially in the Middle East, in connection with the war in Gaza and the Palestinian cause, in addition to discussing the current developments in Bab al-Mandeb and the Red Sea and their impact on the Suez Canal and international navigation. It also addressed developments in the Horn of Africa region, coinciding with Ethiopian ambitions to obtain a sea port.

2- The ambassadors expressed their appreciation for providing this opportunity to exchange views regarding Egyptian relations with all Latin American countries, and to obtain a more accurate picture of the situation in the region. The ambassadors also appreciated the Egyptian efforts regarding the Palestinian cause and achieving regional stability, despite the difficulties and challenges it faces on its borders.

3- The Dean of the Ambassadors’ Group emphasized the prominent pioneering role of Egypt in the Middle East and Africa region, which urges Latin American countries to have a resident representation in Egypt and to represent other countries from Egypt.

4- The ambassadors confirmed the convergence of views between Egypt and Latin American countries on many issues, especially the Palestinian cause, which has the support of the majority of these countries. An issue was raised regarding Guatemala’s transfer of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which angered the Palestinians despite its prior recognition of the State of Palestine. It was explained in this regard that there is enormous pressure from international parties, specifically the United States.

5- The meeting tackled various aspects of bilateral relations between Egypt and each of these countries, in various fields, including trade, tourism and culture. In this regard, the ambassador of Venezuela outlined the developments in his country’s relations with Egypt, expressing his country’s President’s desire to meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

6- Regarding the upcoming visit of Brazilian President Lula da Silva to Egypt on February 14, Ambassador Ezzat Saad commended the Brazilian President’s great efforts to establish the Arab-Latin Cooperation Forum. ECFA also reviewed developments related to the free trade agreement concluded between Egypt and Mercosur.

7- ECFA Chairman proposed an exchange of visits between young Egyptian diplomats and their counterparts from Latin American countries in order to advance bilateral relations between Egypt and the concerned countries.

8- The Ambassador of Cuba expressed keenness to discuss cooperation between ECFA and the corresponding councils in his country.