H.E. Al-Mashat: Egyptian–Korean relations transcend bilateral cooperation to foster regional integration and expand access into the heart of Africa and Asia through trade and investment
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with Mr. Park Beom-Kye, the Special Presidential Envoy of the Republic of Korea to Egypt, to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. The meeting was also attended by H.E. Kim Young, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cairo.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the celebration organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Cairo marking Korea’s National Day and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Korea.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat congratulated the Korean envoy on the occasion of Korea’s National Day, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. She affirmed that Egypt highly values its close relations with Korea, which have continuously evolved over more than three decades, reflected in a diverse development cooperation portfolio, as well as growing joint investments and trade exchanges.
The Minister highlighted the importance of reciprocal high-level visits between the leadership of both countries in recent years, which have given strong impetus to strengthening the strategic partnership. She noted that Korea’s decision to designate Egypt as a strategic partner in the field of development cooperation has resulted in a diversification of joint projects, with a focus on priority sectors.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that Egyptian–Korean relations go beyond the bilateral dimension, serving as a platform to advance regional integration and South–South cooperation. Egypt, she underlined, represents a vital gateway for Korea to access African markets, capitalizing on its strategic geographic position and extensive connectivity across the continent.
She also referred to her participation in the Korea–Africa Summit, where she had the honor of meeting the Korean President. She stressed that the summit reaffirmed how bilateral relations now extend into broader regional integration, enabling deeper trade and investment ties across Africa and Asia.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat commended the recent successes achieved within the framework of the strategic partnership, including the signing of Letters of Understanding for the Vocational Training Development Authority Project, cooperation on the digital platform of the General Organization for Export and Import Control, the development of Egypt’s electronic government procurement system, and the second phase of Beni Suef Technological University.
On future areas of cooperation, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed to the launch of the first-ever bilateral cooperation strategy, which focuses on exploring new fields such as healthcare systems, green development, technology, industrial localization, and supply chain initiatives to enhance resilience against climate change—all within a framework of comprehensive strategic cooperation.