H.E. Dr. Mohd. Abdel Hamid Higazy
ANA: Egypt is hosting the 15th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement at a time when the relevance of the Movement is being questioned in the backdrop of the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of the Soviet Union. What are your views Excellency, on the relevance of NAM in the light of these new realities?
Dr. Higazy: Let me stress the fact that the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is still very much relevant in today's world. NAM is a very important forum second only to the United Nations with 118 members. NAM represents the voice of the South and of the Developing Countries.
If we took the example of other organizations like the NATO, which is essentially a by-product of the Cold War era, we will find that it has outlived and is today finding new relevance for itself. In a similar way, NAM is evolving and is acting today as a forum, which serves and protects the rights of small nations against the monopoly of world powers and interests. Therefore, NAM promotes South-South dialogue and can be instrumental in the re-shaping of the international financial institutions and world trade practices.
Nevertheless, and in spite of such setbacks, the principles and objectives of Non-Alignment retain their full validity and force at the present international juncture. The primary condition that led to the emergence of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries, that is, Non- Alignment from antagonistic blocks, has not lost its validity with the end of the Cold War. The demise of one of the blocks has not done away with the pressing problems of the world. On the contrary, renewed strategic interests bent on domination grow stronger and, even; acquire new and more dangerous dimensions for developing countries.
[expand title="Read More"]As I said earlier, the Non-Aligned Movement remains the most important and wide-ranged framework to coordinate the stances of the developing countries towards the various political and economic issues enlisted in the UN agenda. Nowadays the nature of international relations makes it necessary for the developing countries to collaborate and unite to defend their interests, and to ensure that the International Organizations take their stands and priorities into account while setting their policies.
The inclusive approach that NAM is based on, and its adherence to multilateralism, is crucial in democratizing the international system and its institutional reform be it at the United Nations including the Security Council or at the International Monetary and Financial Institutions and organizations.
Needless to say that the Movement has succeeded in creating a strong front at the International level, representing countries of the third world in the International organizations on top of which the United Nations. We have also to admit that NAM is an important platform to confront the threats and challenges which are facing our world today include the necessity of protecting the principles of International law, eliminating weapons of mass destruction, combating terrorism, defending human rights, working towards making the United Nations more effective in meeting the needs of all its member states in order to preserve International Peace, Security and Stability, as well as realizing justice in the International Economic System. This all besides guarding the long-standing goals of the Movement remain to be realized. Peace, Development, Economic Cooperation and the Democratisation of International Relations, to mention just a few, are old goals of the Non-Aligned Countries.
In conclusion, the Non-Aligned Movement, faced with the goals yet to be reached and the many new challenges that are arising, is called upon to maintain a prominent and leading role in the current International relations in defence of the interests and priorities of its member states and for achievement of peace and security for mankind. Before I conclude this point, let me seize this opportunity to refer your readers who are interested to get more information about the NAM Summit in Sharm-al-Sheikh and the Non Aligned Movement in general, to visit the summit official website: http://www.mfa.gov.eg/arabic/Pages/default.aspx
ANA: You are aware leaders of three countries representing three different continents, Nehru, Nasser and Marshal Tito were the co-founders of the Non-Aligned Movement. After the disintegration of Yugoslavia, India and Egypt represent the two nations behind the birth of NAM. What initiatives do you think the two countries should take to keep the NAM relevant? Is there a need to revisit its priorities?
Dr. Higazy: It's true. Almost half a century ago, Egypt was one of the Founding Countries of the Non-Aligned Movement which has evolved from an entity of 25 member countries that gathered in its first Summit in Belgrade in 1961, into a Movement that currently comprises 118 member countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, South and Central America and the Caribbean. Therefore, countries like India and Egypt have historical responsibilities towards the Non-Aligned Movement and both countries will present their visions to the coming Summit concerning the future of NAM, its role on the international arena as well as its strategy. Egypt has more ideas and suggestions, in the different fields of the Movement's work including security and political issues, such as Disarmament and Arms Control; Economic issues such as dealing with the World Financial Crisis and its repercussions on the developing countries; as well as Social, Cultural and Legal issues, including Human Rights, Humanitarian Aids and dialogue of civilizations.
ANA: Excellency, how do you view the challenge of terrorism, especially in the South Asian context?
Dr. Higazy: Egypt, being a victim itself of terrorism, firmly condemns terrorism in all its forms and in all regions. South Asia is no exception, acts of terrorism here was immediately condoned by the Arab League and OIC and the individual Arab countries. This stance is based on the mere fact that stability in South Asia is an integrated part of the national interest of the whole the Arab World and vis-versa because of their geographical proximity and the many existing economic, social and cultural ties which can be disrupted by these heinous acts of terrorism. Terrorism is a menace to us all, to world peace, security, development and to people's natural quest for peace, development and prosperity.
To reach the noble and crucial goal of eradicating terrorism, we have to confront these phenomena in a collective manner and in doing so we must accelerate the implementation of the Comprehensive Counter - terrorism Strategy and to deal effectively with the root causes of terrorism. In doing so, we must be fully aware that democracy in international relations, the observance of the concepts of justice, equality and ending occupation, as well as the upholding the right of self-determination, are the most effective means to face the extremist thought that lies behind the dastardly acts of terrorism.
ANA: The potential for Indo-Egyptian Economic relations has not been fully exploited given the very few exchange of visits. President Hosni Mubarak came to India in November last year after 25 years when a clutch of Agreements in areas such as use of Outer Space, Trade and Technical Cooperation were signed. Can you indicate the follow-up steps that have been taken to give practical shape to these agreements?
Dr. Higazy: India is always in our heart and mind. Our strategic partnership agreement signed during the historic visit of President Mubarak in November 2008 was a clear manifestation of the mutual respect and the value both countries are attaching to their present and future relations.
There is undoubtedly mutual recognition and respect to the role both countries are playing in their respective regions and on world stage in general, which requires constant coordination and political exchange of views on many regional and international issues. After President Mubarak visit we continued the successful and impressive exchange of ministerial visits, which now amount to 20, visits on both side in the past two years. We are preparing now for a new round of MEA’s Political Consultations and also the Sixth round of our Joint Commission in Cairo, Later this year. In this context and in an important note on the future of our relations you may have noticed that Egypt and India signed an Agreement in Cooperation in Space Technology, this Agreement is a message itself and an indication of the many fields that lay ahead of us which we can explore further. The most notable are the four new areas of modern technologies, in the IT sector, Space Technology, Bio Technology, Renewable Energy among other strategic fields. Therefore, and along with what we have achieved till now in other fields many prospects and future aims can be pursuit and achieved by our new generations.
ANA: India is one of Egypt’s largest trading partners. Excellency, in which sectors and areas do you see bilateral trade and economic ties between the two countries developing in the future?
Dr. Higazy: Allow me now to start by saying that we in Egypt admire the outstanding Economic progress that India has made. The rise of India as a key player in the world economy is among the most important developments of our times. Similarly, Egypt has witnessed a remarkable Economic Transformation since the Government of Egypt adopted the Economic Reform Programme in the 1990's and successfully emerged to become one of the leading African economies and the first destination for attracting FDI in the region.
In today's world economic platform, dynamics of changes has prevailed and the development agenda had taken the centre-stage. The developing countries are in the midst of rapid transformation driven by the aspirations for a better and prosperous future. Developing countries are becoming engines of economic growth and possess abundant capabilities of natural and human resources, technology and capital. However, we will need to work together to ensure that we contribute to, even as we benefit from, the economic resurgence and integration of our countries. Egypt and India are tied together by a historical long-standing close bilateral relationship based on mutual respect, appreciation of regional and global role as well as common endeavour to enhance bilateral ties in all fields of interest. The Egypt-India Trade Agreement has been in operation since March 1978. Since then Egypt has traditionally been one of India's most important trading partners in the African Continent.
The bilateral trade figures between our two countries show a sustainable increase in volume of trade in the past five years reached almost approximately 4 billion dollars at the end of 2008 with total Egyptian exports of almost 2.2 billion USD and Indian exports to Egypt reached almost 1.8 billion USD.
Nevertheless, the current Bilateral Trade structure and figures between our two countries still remained below expectations in the past period. It neither represents the real capabilities nor potentials of our two great nations. Accordingly, the need for setting up new pillars of economic cooperation between Egypt and India is substantial. Drastic measures must be taken to meet the urging desire to achieve higher levels of economic integration and reinforcement of trade ties between our two friendly countries. Each side must complement the other in order to achieve common targets and to fulfil the aspirations of prosperity and welfare of our developing economies.
Item / Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Egyptian Exports 678.80 999.10 1394.35 1889.84 1933.51 Egyptian Imports 407 533.20 731.16 1604.11 1603.21 Trade Volume 1085.80 1532.30 2125.51 3493.95 3536.72 Trade Balance 271.80 465.90 663.19 285.73 330.3
Total investments in Egypt
Main investment sectors Main Companies investing in Egypt Ranking among the investing countries Egyptian investments in the country US$ 550 million (approx.)
1. Industry 2. Services 3.Tourism 4. Communication &IT 5. Construction 6.Agriculture 7.Finance Grasim India Ltd. (Alexandria Carbon Black), Dabur India Ltd., Auto Tech Engineering, Kirloskar Brothers, Bajaj Auto & Bajaj Tempo, Thapar Group, Unit Trust of India (Cairo Mutual Funds), Oberoi Investment Co. (Philae Floating Hotels), Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. (Ranbaxy Egypt Ltd.) , Indian Farmers Fertilizers Co-operative Ltd. (IFFCO) (Indo Egyptian Fertilizer Company), Tata Steel, Reliance Industries. 10th – 12th N.A
ANA: Excellency, both India and Egypt have a strong cultural heritage. How do you see Indian –Egyptian cultural ties developing?
Dr. Higazy: Egypt and India are two countries with great civilizations. They both have a mystical magic, which simply allures you to fall into the experience they offer. Both cultures are similar in hospitality and welcoming attitude. The cultural relations between India and Egypt have been rooted for several millenniums since the age of pharaohs, which gave them strength and mutual influence, so one can notice resemblance in old religions, customs and traditions.
Now days, the Cultural Relations between the two countries is considered among the most vibrant areas of cooperation. We are cognizant of the fact that political and economic achievements people to people direct contact. The Maulana Azad culture centre in the heart of the Egyptian capital is very active in exposing the Indian culture in Egypt, organizing lectures, competitions, language classes, teaching yoga and Indian dance. Last year as well Egypt hosted the Indian cultural days in November 2008 which involved several Indian activities and having Indian folk troops from various parts of India. On the other hand the Embassy in Delhi with the cooperation of the Indian Centre for Cultural Relations (ICCR) organized in 2007 an Egyptian Cultural Week, which brought to India the flavour of Egypt with several aspects of Egyptian Cultural life Music, Dance, Arts, Paintings, Films, Lecturers. Once more Egypt seized the opportunity offered by the Indian side in December 2008 and fully participated in all the activities of the India Arab Cultural Forum bringing again all the Egyptian Cultural aspects to the Indian audience and the preparation of the Egyptian cultural week in October 2009 is undergoing.
The Embassy offered its venue and hosted several exhibitions for Indian artists, cartoonists, children drawings and lately organized competition for Delhi Secondary Schools about the Land of the Pyramids and the essays presented by students reflected the interest of the young generation in the Egyptian Culture.
ANA: In the context of the Palestine issue, Egypt is perhaps the only country, which enjoys good rapport with Israel and is seen by US as an important facilitator of peace. Is Egypt playing the role of a peace broker?
Dr. Higazy: Over the last few years, Egypt has worked exhaustively to unite the Palestinian leadership in a manner that upholds their commitment to a negotiated two-state solution. Egypt has also tried to broker a durable cease-fire between Hamas and Israel in parallel with our mediation on a prisoner exchange. We believe that these steps must now be joined with a serious process to negotiate a final status agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The priority should be to resolve the permanent borders of a sovereign and territorially contiguous Palestinian state, based on the 1967 lines, as this would unlock most of the other permanent status issues, including settlements, security, water and Jerusalem.
Let me here refer you and the readers to President Mubarak article recently published in the wall street journal when he indicated that, I quote... "the success of these negotiations will depend on firm commitments from both sides to uphold the credibility of the process. Israel's relentless settlement expansion, which has seriously eroded the prospects for a two state solution, must cease, together with its closure of Gaza. For their part, the Palestinians must continue to develop their institutional capacity while overcoming their division to achieve their aspirations for statehood. While full normalization with Israel can only result from a comprehensive settlement including the Syrian, Lebanese as well as Palestinian track, the Arab side stands ready to reciprocate serious steps towards peace undertaken by Israel.
A historic settlement is within reach, one that would give the Palestinians their state and freedom from occupation while granting Israel recognition and security to live in peace. With President Obama's reassertion of U.S. leadership in the region, a rare moment of opportunity presents itself. Egypt stands ready to seize that moment, and I am confident that the Arab World will do the same..."
