H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with Mr. Bulgan Enkhtuvshin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Cairo, at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting, also attended by Mr. Shinebayar Enkhbayar, Consul at the Embassy of Mongolia in Cairo, aimed to explore ways to strengthen future cooperation.
During the meeting, Al-Mashat emphasized the ministry’s commitment to bolstering bilateral relations between Egypt and Mongolia, stressing the importance of South-South cooperation. H.E. noted that the partnership between the two nations could serve as a successful model for cooperation among developing countries to achieve shared development goals. She also highlighted the vital role played by the joint committee between the two countries in fostering relations across various sectors.
“We aim to explore new avenues for cooperation in the areas of economy, investment, and sustainable development,” H.E. said, adding that the first round of the joint committee was held in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, in 2007, and it is hoped that the second round will take place in 2025.
Moreover, Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of developing a clear framework to organize the upcoming joint committee meetings. This framework should include holding technical meetings between teams from both sides to identify priority areas to focus on during the committee meetings and agree on high-priority sectors to maximize mutual benefits and positive outcomes. She also suggested that a business forum could be held on the sidelines of the joint committee meetings to enhance economic relations and open new avenues for cooperation between the business communities of both countries, contributing to shared economic development.
The Minister also reviewed some of Egypt’s successful initiatives, including the "NWFE Program" country platform, which transforms mitigation and adaptation goals into investable projects to overcome challenges related to the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) through a country-led practical approach. The country platform brings together various stakeholders to efficiently and effectively address priority sectors and mobilize public and private financing. H.E. also highlighted the Hub for Advisory, Finance & Investment for Enterprises platform, which showcases all financial and non-financial services available from development partners to the private sector to increase awareness and maximize their use.
The two sides discussed several proposed areas of joint cooperation to enhance economic relations between the two countries, including mineral resources, the wool and cashmere industries, and encouraging joint investments in vital sectors such as industry, livestock, energy cooperation, and climate change mitigation.
They also explored the possibility of exchanging expertise in water resource management and conservation strategies, enhancing cultural exchange through scholarships and student exchange programs to strengthen relations between the two peoples, and sharing experiences in e-governance and digital transformation. Both countries have made significant strides in improving public services through digitalization, and Mongolia could offer its expertise in eco-tourism and sustainable tourism models. Additionally, efforts could be coordinated to promote cultural tourism and share expertise in preserving historical and natural sites.