Dutch government stops aid to Egypt

The Dutch government has stopped aid and cooperation with the Egyptian interim counterpart following Wednesday's events, said Foreign Affairs minister Frans Timmermans Friday. Negotiations are the only one which can return Egypt to permanent stability, the minister said. "This is the only way tourists and investors will come back, allowing the economy to start moving again and give the population perspective for a better future", said Timmermans. However, he said there is no reason to stop Dutch tourists going on holiday to Egyptian beach resorts. Meanwhile, some Dutch companies in Egypt have either stopped or reduced their activities, said the reports. Oil giant Shell has closed its Egyptian office for safety reasons. The Netherlands exports goods worth 1.5 billion euro to Egypt and imports products worth 500 million euro every year.