Egypt and Germany: Security Cooperation Agreement Signed

July 14, 2016

It has been announced this week that Egypt and Germany have signed a security cooperation agreement, which will involve the sharing of information between the two countries and will strengthen efforts to prevent crime and reinforce security.

The Egyptian Minister of Interior Magdy Abdel Ghafar met with his German counterpart, Thomas de Maiziére, in Berlin to discuss ways to combat terrorist organisations and illegal immigration through the sharing of information and expertise between Egypt and Germany. This meeting follows a visit from Thomas de Maiziére to Egypt in March this year to address the same points.

Some of the stipulations of the agreement include:

• Intelligence sharing between Egypt and Germany
• An extradition agreement including Interpol Red Notice warrants
• A programme which will see Germany provide financial crime investigation training to Egyptian security personnel
• Reinforcement of airport security

The German government has recently expressed concern regarding Egypt”s human rights standards, following the recommencement of investigations into the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) foreign funding case. In December 2011, 17 NGOs offices were raided by prosecutors and police following allegations that these organisations were receiving illegal foreign funds. This resulted in a number of Egypt”s most notable human rights activists being prosecuted.

In an official statement issued by the German foreign office, it declares that they; “are following the latest travel bans, bank account freezes, and investigations against human rights activists and organisations in Egypt with great concern”. They have urged the Egyptian government to create an environment where human rights groups can perform their duties without hindrance.

For further information on the above, or for advice on German or Egyptian immigration, please contact us at [email protected].