Egypt and Japan Launch Third Round of Strategic Dialogue

جانب من اللقاء.

On Wednesday, Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty, Egypt’s Minister of japan/">Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with Toshimitsu Motegi, Japan’s Foreign Minister, to launch the third round of the Egyptian-Japanese strategic dialogue. This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral relations and activate various cooperation paths while exchanging views on several regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Ambassador Tamim Khalaf, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Minister Abdel-Aty praised the depth of Egyptian-Japanese relations. He emphasized the importance of building on the momentum seen in bilateral ties since the announcement of a strategic partnership in April 2023. Abdel-Aty expressed hopes for activating various aspects of this partnership in the upcoming phase and establishing an annual schedule for the strategic dialogue.

Regarding economic and investment cooperation, the Foreign Minister highlighted Egypt’s significant improvements in creating a favorable investment climate due to its economic reform program implemented over recent years. He pointed out Egypt’s competitive advantages, particularly its strategic location as a potential regional hub for manufacturing and exporting to Arab, African, and European markets, supported by a network of free trade agreements with these regions. Additionally, he noted the direct and indirect investment incentives offered by the Suez Canal Economic Zone to foreign investors.

Minister Abdel-Aty urged Japanese companies to increase their investments in Egypt amid these positive developments in the investment environment. He welcomed enhanced collaboration with Japanese firms across various sectors, asserting that Egypt provides strategic solutions for Japanese companies looking to diversify their production centers and supply chains.

The meeting also explored ways to bolster developmental cooperation between the two nations through projects funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Minister Abdel-Aty expressed appreciation for JICA’s crucial role in supporting development efforts in Egypt, particularly in education, scientific research, and human capacity building. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to further developing its partnership with Japan to achieve sustainable development goals.

Furthermore, Minister Abdel-Aty addressed cultural cooperation between both countries, praising the vibrant relationship that reflects historical ties and mutual understanding between their peoples. He acknowledged Japan’s substantial support in establishing the Grand Egyptian Museum as one of Egypt’s most significant cultural projects and a successful model of Egyptian-Japanese partnership.

The discussions also included opportunities for enhancing trilateral cooperation among Egypt, Japan, and African countries. Minister Abdel-Aty stressed the importance of leveraging their distinguished partnership to support development efforts and capacity building across Africa. This includes collaboration with the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa regarding capacity building and promoting peace and security on the continent. He highlighted aspirations to implement outcomes from the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) to advance sustainable development priorities and enhance investment while transferring expertise to African nations.

In response, Japan’s Foreign Minister commended the depth of Egyptian-Japanese relations and noted their remarkable progress across all levels recently. He expressed hopes for continued development of bilateral relations across various fields that benefit both nations. Additionally, he praised Egypt’s ongoing efforts to promote security and stability in the region.

An initial framework agreement for strategic partnership was signed by both nations in preparation for a presidential-level signing of a strategic partnership document as well as an agreement between their foreign ministries regarding diplomatic training.

The fourth round of strategic dialogue is scheduled for Thursday to address regional and international issues of common interest.