The Prime Minister’s then National Security Adviser, Sir Kim Darroch, invited President Sisi to visit the UK during his visit to Egypt in June. The President accepted and the visit is expected to take place before the end of this year.
Britain and Egypt cooperate on a wide range of issues from education to tourism, foreign policy and security. Ministers are committed to deepening UK cooperation with the Egyptian people and government, and this visit is a key opportunity for discussions at the highest level on areas of mutual interest. Our countries have strong ties, underpinned by a frank and honest relationship, allowing us to raise any concerns with our Egyptian partners on a consistent basis.
The Government raises human rights concerns regularly with the Egyptian government, including issues highlighted by independent human rights organisations. In recent months Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers have asked the Egyptian authorities to take action to release journalists and political detainees who remain imprisoned, to review mass judicial decisions, and to remove restrictions on civil society.
All export licence applications for Egypt are assessed against restrictions introduced by the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 21 August 2013 and the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Criteria. The security situation remains difficult due to the ongoing terrorist threat and the Government wants to support the legitimate security needs of the Government of Egypt while preventing UK exports being used for internal repression.
The violence seen during the conflict in Gaza last year was deeply saddening. Israel, like any state, has the right to ensure its own security, as its citizens also have the right to live without fear of attack. The Government has twice reviewed all existing export licences to Israel and is confident that all export licenses in circulation for Israel meet the Consolidated Criteria. Ministers will continue to monitor and assess the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories and take into account the latest circumstances when assessing licence applications.
By Patrick McLoughlin on October 15, 2015