• Egyptian-Korean relations are based on mutual respect and a shared pursuit of security, stability, and development.
• South Korea is one of Egypt's most prominent Asian partners, and we look forward to further joint work to benefit from its development experience in the fields of industry, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, participated in the celebration organized by the Korean Embassy on the occasion of South Korea's National Day and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, on behalf of H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Park Beom-Kye, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of South Korea, H.E. Mr. Kim Yong-hyon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cairo, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, H.E. Ambassador Amr Hamza, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, H.E. Counselor Amal Omar, President of the National Council for Women, along with representatives of national institutions and ambassadors of other countries.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat delivered a speech in which she underscored the depth of Egyptian-Korean relations, which are rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also working together to strengthen security, stability, and development in both the Middle East and East Asia. She noted that over the past three decades, the relationship between Egypt and Korea has represented a model of fruitful cooperation and strategic partnership.
Minister Al-Mashat highlighted that celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations is not only an opportunity to honor the history of the bilateral relationship but also a moment to reflect on the significant progress achieved through joint efforts. She emphasized that the economic dimension remains a defining feature of this cooperation.
She recalled the words of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who has often praised “the Korean experience as an example of dynamism, sincerity, and respect for the value of work,” and stressed Egypt’s eagerness to learn more from Korea’s development model.
Dr. Al-Mashat further noted that South Korea is one of Egypt's most prominent Asian partners, with Korean companies actively contributing to vital projects in smart transport, heavy industries, renewable energy, and digitization. She also pointed to the significant expansion of Korean investments in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which reflects the Korean business community's confidence in Egypt’s investment climate.
She reaffirmed that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, as the entity responsible for managing Egypt’s development cooperation portfolio, is committed to strengthening cooperation between the two sides.
Minister Al-Mashat highlighted the diversity of cooperation, which spans priority areas for the Egyptian government including education, vocational training, investment, transport, energy, trade, and digital transformation—fields in which Korea has both a comparative advantage and pioneering expertise.
Among the most important ongoing projects with Korea, she mentioned the project for the manufacturing and supply of 320 metro cars for the second and third lines of the Greater Cairo Metro, which supports Egypt’s efforts to localize the railway industry. She also cited the modernization of signaling systems on the Luxor–Nag Hammadi railway line, and the project to improve Egypt’s public e-procurement system for the General Authority for Governmental Services, which supports the government’s digital transformation efforts.
She further referred to the recently signed $10 million Grant Agreement in vocational training to develop skills in green car maintenance, in cooperation with the Productive Efficiency and Vocational Training Department under the Ministry of Industry. She stressed that the coming period will witness the signing of more cooperation agreements, reflecting the strength and depth of bilateral relations.
The Minister explained that the future cooperation portfolio with Korea is expanding, with discussions underway on projects in Artificial Intelligence, education, and digital transformation. She emphasized that the distinguished ties between the two countries are not confined to the economic dimension but also extend to cultural exchange, which remains a cornerstone of Egypt–Korea relations.
In conclusion, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat underscored the importance of enhancing mutual understanding and future cooperation between Egypt and Korea, reaffirming the shared commitment to strengthening economic and development ties. She added: “We look forward to the continuation and growth of these relations, which will have a tangible and positive impact on the peoples of both countries and will strengthen our ability to confront common global challenges.”