Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati met on Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss ways of boosting bilateral relations and exchanging views on a number of regional and international developments of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Minister Abdel-Aati conveyed the greetings of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to the Japanese Prime Minister and delivered a written message from the president addressing prospects for advancing the strategic partnership between the two friendly nations in the coming period. He praised the remarkable progress witnessed in Egyptian-Japanese relations within the framework of the strategic partnership announced in April 2023.
He highlighted the advanced levels of co-operation and coordination achieved between the two countries. He also expressed Egypt’s aspiration to further elevate bilateral relations and expand all avenues of co-operation in the next phase, according to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf.
Discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing economic and investment co-operation between the two countries. Minister Abdel-Aati stressed that Egypt offers strategic solutions for Japanese companies seeking to diversify production hubs and supply chains, particularly amid global economic challenges and disruptions resulting from ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In this context, the minister reviewed the progress Egypt has made in improving the investment climate through the economic reform programme implemented over recent years. He expressed hope for expanding Japanese investments across various sectors in Egypt.
Regarding industrial and technological co-operation, Minister Abdel-Aati underlined the importance of benefiting from Japanese expertise in supporting Egypt’s economic development efforts, while expanding co-operation in innovation, scientific research and digital transformation. He also highlighted Egypt’s strategic location as a gateway for manufacturing and exports to Arab, African and European markets.
Within this framework, the foreign minister expressed Egypt’s aspiration to establish a Japanese industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, enabling Japanese companies to benefit from the direct and indirect investment and customs incentives offered to foreign investors operating in the zone.
He also stressed the importance of continuing co-operation in implementing joint development projects, including support for the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology, as well as technical education and vocational training initiatives aimed at transferring Japanese expertise and enhancing human development in Egypt.
Minister Abdel-Aati also reviewed opportunities for trilateral co-operation among Egypt, Japan and African countries, highlighting Egypt’s role as a key gateway to the African continent and a promising platform for expanding joint co-operation across Africa. He further outlined preparations currently underway for Egypt’s hosting of the inaugural edition of the “Alamein–Africa Business Forum” later this month, noting that the forum will serve as an important platform for strengthening trade and investment partnerships across Africa.
The two sides also discussed regional and international issues. Minister Abdel-Aati reviewed Egypt’s ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions, restore calm in the Middle East and halt the ongoing conflict in the region. He also briefed the Japanese prime minister on Egypt’s vision regarding developments in the region, including the latest updates in the Gaza Strip, Sudan and the Horn of Africa.
For her part, Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi expressed her deep appreciation for the longstanding Egyptian-Japanese relations and the significant progress achieved across various fields. She reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to further developing co-operation with Egypt and commended Egypt’s tireless efforts aimed at de-escalation, restoring calm and supporting security and stability across the region.
