Media release

Australian Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile

22 October 2000

Australia signs Child Welfare Agreement with Egypt

The Hon Mark Vaile, Federal Minister for Trade, today signed a bilateral Agreement with the Egyptian Government to protect the welfare of children.

The Agreement provides a mechanism in disputes over the custody of children.

"This Agreement is the first bilateral accord of its type that Australia has signed", Mr Vaile said.

The Agreement reflects the growing community links between Australia and Egypt. An estimated 70,000 Australians are of Egyptian origin.

"I welcome this agreement for the improved protection it will extend to our most vulnerable citizens - our children - and thank the Egyptian Government for its involvement," Minister Vaile said today.

Mr Vaile signed the Agreement with Egypt's Justice Minister, His Excellency Farouk Seif el-Nasr. Mr Vaile is on a two-day visit to Egypt to explore opportunities for expanding trade and investment links with Egypt.

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Local Date: Sunday, 12-Feb-2012 11:53:22 EST