State Minister for Telecommunication Affairs Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa underscored strong brotherly ties binding Bahrain and Egypt, stressing the importance of boosting cooperation between both countries in various fields. He was speaking at a meeting with Egyptian Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Atef Helmi, on the sidelines of an official visit to Egypt. He stressed Bahrain’s support to Egypt in its efforts to overcome the current phase, achieve security and stability and bolster development and progress. He lauded the historic role played by Egypt in serving Arab issues and promoting pan-Arab work. He also discussed with his Egyptian counterpart ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation in the telecommunication and IT field. Both sides also reviewed main issues on the agenda of the 33rd meeting of the Permanent Arab Telecommunication and Information Committee and the 34th meeting of the council’s Executive Bureau. They also discussed joint coordination regarding participation in the 17th session of the Ministers of Telecommunication and Information Technology which is set to be held in Algeria next week. The meeting was attended by Bahraini Ambassador to Egypt Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and the minister’s accompanying delegation. After the meeting, Shaikh Fawaz and his Egyptian counterpart paid visits to many locations in Cairo-based smart village, including the Smart Village Company, Xceed company, the Centre of Civilisational and Natural Heritage Documentation and the main headquarters of the Information Technology Institute (ITI). Shaikh Fawaz expressed appreciation of the high-tech facilities which testify to the advanced level reached by the telecommunication and IT sector in Egypt. He wished the Egyptian minister and the officials in charge of the telecommunication and IT sector every success in serving their home country. On his part, the Egyptian Minister expressed happiness about Shaikh Fawaz’s visit to Egypt and its significance in further bolstering bilateral relations. He also extended thanks and gratitude to Bahrain for its incessant support to Egypt in the current phase. He praised Bahrain’s big strides at all levels in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.