Taking forward issues of cooperationbetween India and Egypt, Secretary, East, in the Ministry of External Affairs had broad ranging discussions with Egyptian representatives in Cairo during his two-day visit to Egypt. There was specific focus on building political conversations between India and Egypt, not just on bilateralmatters but on broader issues that have affected the region, as well as cooperation at various multilateral fora. Mr. Ashok Kantha, Secretary East, said the trade and economic relationship between the two countries has shown steady growth. Egypt has traditionally been one of India's most significant trading partners in Africa. Bilateral trade grew from 5.42 billion US dollars in 2011-12 to 5.45 billion US dollars in 2012-13.