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Trip includes members of el-Nour, Freedom and Justice, Wafd, Free Egyptian and Tagammu parties
Delegation discusses Egypt's Constitution at the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy
CAIRO, Egypt (AWR) -- Despite the rancorous climate of Egyptian politics, members from five of Egypt's diverse political parties came together for an AWR-initiated trip to The Hague this month, with participants reporting an increased spirit of cooperation.
The trip, hosted by the Dutch Christian Democratic Party and the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, included members from the Salafist el-Nour Party, the Muslim Brotherhood's Freedom and Justice Party, the nationalist Wafd Party, the liberal Free Egyptians Party, and the socialist Tagammu Party.
The Egyptian multiparty delegation discussed the constitution, relations between Muslims and Christians in Egypt, and economic cooperation with the Netherlands. They also worked on developing a handbook for a better functioning of the Egyptian parliament.
During the five-day trip, participants met with senior Dutch government officials, politicians, and other leaders, including: Egyptian Ambassador to The Netherlands Mahmoud Samy, AWR Editor-in-Chief Cornelis Hulsman, Foreign Affairs Ministry Director General for Political Affairs Renee Jones-Bos, former Prime Minister Andreas van Agt, Agriculture and Trade Minister Henk Bleker, as well as other politicians and civic and religious leaders.
Following the trip, members from both the Islamist and secular political parties reported an increased desire to work together to advance democracy and the rule of law in Egypt.
"I believe the best part of this trip was the chance we all had to know and communicate with each other. I am sure we realized that what we share in common is far greater than that which differentiates us, and we all have our great intentions to serve our beloved Egypt." -- Tarek Shaalan, Al-Nour Party
"It was a great chance for all five participating parties to portray the intricacies of the current political situation in Egypt in a way not always truthfully reflected in the media. Just as important, it gave us a better understanding as to how politicians in Europe view what has come to be termed the 'Arab Spring,' as well as their interpretations, expectations and concerns." -- Amr Soliman, Free Egyptians Party
Read more about the delegation here and here....
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