Germany affirms continuing financial support to Egypt

The German Foreign Minister and former-Vice-Chancellor, Guido Westerwelle, has affirmed that his country will continue to offer financial aid to Egypt, a German newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Westerwelle believes that Egypt is still in need for foreign support. “Without investments, tourism and foreign aid, no credible economic and social partnership by the Egyptian citizens will be appear on the horizon during the transition stage,” he said.

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Stressing the importance of dialogue with Egypt during this “unstable” stage, Westerwelle called for the international community to be “patient” with the country. “No one should expect everything to get better in Egypt within a short period of time after such a long autocratic rule,” he insisted.

In an interview with an Egyptian news website earlier this week, Westerwelle told the Egyptians, “Do not think that revolutions achieve development. They only achieve an atmosphere for development to be started. This needs a period of stability in order to see the fruits of the revolution after a few years.”

Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi is scheduled to fly to Berlin today, Wednesday, for a two-day visit. However, although it is his first official visit to the German capital, due to the current unsettled situation in Egypt the trip will be for one day only. Morsi will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss several issues, including the latest political developments two years after of Hosni Mubarak’s ousting.

The latest upheaval in Egypt erupted several days ago and has resulted in dozens of deaths. The President is trying to restore calm by several means, including a state of emergency in the three cities which have witnessed the most violent incidents.