Egypt has indispensable role in securing Mediterranean

"The Egyptian-German relations are excellent and the cooperation between the two countries covers many spheres, including security," Germany Minister of Defense told Al Ahram daily.

He expounded that Egypt, as a key Arab state, plays an active role in the region, lauding the European Union (EU) role in creating common understanding in the region.

"The partnership agreement between Egypt and the EU was concluded during the chairmanship of Germany to EU with a view to strengthening economic and political relations that would inevitably serve peace and security in the Mediterranean," added Germany Defense Minister.

In 1995, Egypt and Germany agreed upon launching military dialogue aiming to cement cooperation between the two countries in military field, said Germany Defense Minister, adding that exchanging visits between training centers of both countries and ongoing military talks mirror close cooperation in this field.

"Germany is very much interested in beefing up cooperation with Egypt," he said, describing Egypt as a connecting link between many cultural circles. He also lauded Egypt's balanced policies that have contributed much in bringing about stability and security in the Mediterranean.

He said that concluding revised Wye memorandum in Sharm El Sheikh would not have been achieved without President Hosni Mubarak sincere efforts. He hailed Egypt's effective role in the ME and north Africa, and ascribed this to its strategic position and wise policies.

The German Minister lauded the relentless efforts Egypt exerts to push forward the ME peace process, noting to the role of mediator Egypt has played to iron out several African differences.