About Egypt
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Government
The Constitution of the Arab Republic of Egypt, adopted in 1971 and amended in 1980, declares that Egypt is an Arab Republic with a democratic system. The Constitution further outlines Egypt's political system and defines public authorities. Executive authority is vested in the Head of State, the President of the Republic, who is nominated by a two-thirds majority of the People's Assembly, then elected by popular referendum for a six-year term. President Mubarak has been in place since 1981 and is now serving his fifth term in office (last voted in in 2005). He is the leader of the ruling National Democratic Party.
External Relations
Relations with the EU are largely good and Egypt has strong trading links within Europe. The EU is Egypt's biggest trading partner currently accounting for 42% of Egyptian exports and 37% of imports, with the balance of trade still in the EU's favour. Trade between the EU and Egypt has risen by more than 5% in the last five years to reach around 11.6 billion euro in 2004. EU relations with Egypt are based on a partnership relation within the Euro - Mediterranean and Middle East area, which is of vital strategic importance and a key external relations priority for the EU.