This year, Egypt and the Czech Republic are to celebrate the centenary of diplomatic relations when the latter recognised independent Egypt in February 1922.
Ambassador of the Czech Republic in Cairo Jan Fulik told the Egyptian Mail about areas of joint co-operation.
Military Production
The ambassador clarified that joint co-operation in military production is one of the key areas of bilateral ties as Czech has a highly developed security industry, which was showcased at Egypt’s International Defence Expo (EDEX).
“Our participation was quite large with more than fifteen companies participating, including our association of military industry,” the envoy said.
“I can mention that the president of our military association came personally heading the delegation. Everybody was presenting his skills. And definitely, we expect expansion in co-operation. Both countries have long history of co-operation,” the ambassador said.
Although the world has changed, the ambassador said his country is still competing in the security industry with many milestones being passed.
Czech is no super power. It is a landlocked country, so we don’t do battleships! But, it has a lot to offer in other areas like weaponry and military planes. So, we can find some common interests,” he said.
The ambassador also highlighted few examples of success of his country’s military firms operating in Egypt, such as Česká zbrojovka Group (CZG.PR).
“CZG has scored a milestone by signing a deal to acquire Colt, the American gun maker, which has been manufacturing firearms since the early 19th century. Colt is now fully in Czech hands. CZG already owns a host of other firearm companies, including Dan Wesson,” he said.
“CZG is also buying foreign companies to expand their portfolio. There are many attractive fields of joint co-operation. Egypt is a very important partner for our companies as it is area of stability in quite complicated part of the world and this is really appreciated by our side,” the ambassador said.
Political momentum
The ambassador said that Czech is a proud member of EU.
“Here, I would refer to the treaty between Egypt and the EU on tax exemptions. Some of our companies signed agreements with Egyptian partners to make products here in Egypt,” he said.
The ambassador referred to the last visit of Czech minister of foreign affairs. “He not only met his counterpart Minister Sameh Shokry, but he was also invited to the presidential palace and had extensive discussions with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. This visit is one of the milestones to expand our co-operation,” he said.
“President Sisi was expected to visit Czech Republic, but the visit was postponed due to the pandemic. It would happen in new future. No Egyptian president has visited Czech Republic for more than 25 years. Visits ensure we are really friends,” he noted.
“As I am following up circumstances here, I can see how the Czech Republic is recognised as real friend for Egypt,” he noted.
Human rights
The ambassador also hailed the national strategy for human rights, saying this initiative is very promising.
“We discuss this file very openly with our Egyptian partners. Our colleagues from ministry of foreign affairs are ready to listen. Human rights were also part of the discussion between our foreign minister and President Sisi. All countries are doing their best to improve performance in this regard.”
Cultural ties
Czech has chosen Cairo to be the first place for its cultural centre in Africa and the Arab World.
“It will be the first in a Muslim country as well. Cairo has very colourful cultural life, which was why our government chose Cairo.
“Czech is a medium-sized European country, which means this will not be huge institution. We are expecting to have a few employees, of whom some will be Czechs and some Egyptians. Culture is a basis for co-operation. Egyptian and Arab cultures are very extended. Czech has something to offer in different kinds of art and culture. Such ties include translation of our books besides some music, not only classical. We would like also to introduce modern music and painters.”
The ambassador said that the embassy has plenty of ideas how to publicise this centre.
“Cultural activities will be more, bearing in mind that Czech will be head of the European Union for six months. It will be an excellent opportunity to show that our partners here are some part of our culture,” he said.
“Czech archaeology has been active in Egypt from more than 60 years.
“We have recently celebrated one hundred years of Czech Egyptology. This is part of cultural and academic co-operation,” the ambassador said.
“It is a real chance to discover history of ancient Egypt. It is very popular in our country. Our Egyptologists are really heroes. Maybe not all of our citizens can tell you the name of our ministers but they do know our famous Egyptologists. We have a long-standard archaeological mission which is mainly active in Abu Sir and Sakkara.”
As for tourism, Czech is one of top ten countries in terms of tourist influx in Egypt.
“Before the coronavirus pandemic, 300,000 tourists a year visited Egypt, which is a lot because the population of Czech Republic is 10.5 million. It is a large chunk.”
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