● Significant discussions between Egypt and Poland to enhance cooperation in economic development, food security, and digital transformation.
● Minister Al-Mashat: Strengthening the partnership with Poland in the area of food security is a priority for future collaboration.
● Egypt's strategic location positions it as a gateway for Polish exports to penetrate the African continent.
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a series of bilateral discussions with Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy of the Republic of Poland; Mr. Stefan Krajewski, Polish Secretary of State for Agriculture and Rural Development; and Mr. Michal Gramatyka, Polish Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs.
The meetings were attended by Mr. Waleid Gamal El-Dein, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone Authority. These discussions, aimed at strengthening economic relations and exploring new avenues of cooperation, took place at the conclusion of the first session of the Egyptian-Polish Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation in Warsaw. The Joint Committee convened for the first time in 30 years, following the Economic Cooperation Agreement signed during the Polish President's visit to Egypt in 2022.
Meeting with the Polish Minister of Development Funds and Regional Policy
During her meeting with the Polish Minister for Development Funds and Regional Policy, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat outlined Egypt's government work program and the ministry's role in implementing structural reforms, preparing and executing the investment plan, and ensuring the integration of domestic and external financing. These efforts aim to enhance economic development policies, govern investment spending, encourage private sector participation, and promote both domestic and foreign investments. A financial equation has also been applied to ensure the equitable distribution of government investments across Egypt’s governorates.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the Egyptian-Polish Joint Committee has opened a dialogue aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in addressing challenges related to water scarcity and resource management. Both sides acknowledged the importance of innovative strategies, particularly in the areas of irrigation and sustainable agriculture, to improve water efficiency. Initiatives such as knowledge sharing and applying modern technologies were highlighted during the discussions.
Additionally, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt’s efforts in family planning and women’s empowerment as essential components of the country’s sustainable development strategy. The Polish Minister praised Egypt’s active participation in the World Urban Forum and emphasized its significance in enhancing global dialogue on urban issues. She also highlighted Poland's hosting of the forum in 2022, underscoring the country’s commitment to innovation, technology, education, and international cooperation as part of its forthcoming presidency of the European Union in 2025.
Meeting with the Polish Secretary of State for Agriculture and Rural Development
In another key meeting, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat held talks with Mr. Stefan Krajewski, the Polish Secretary of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, focusing on joint efforts in food security and agricultural exports. Dr. Al-Mashat referenced the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries in May 2022 in the area of agriculture and stressed the importance of bolstering cooperation in food security, which remains a top priority for the Egyptian government.
Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the Egyptian government's efforts to promote agricultural exports and mentioned the recent launch of the roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) service between Egypt and Italy. This initiative is a pivotal step toward enhancing trade in food products and agricultural goods between the two nations. Both parties emphasized the need to simplify procedures and overcome challenges to increase trade exchange. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that Egypt’s strategic location positions it as a gateway to Africa, making it an ideal platform for Polish exports to the continent.
Meeting with the Polish Deputy Minister for Digital Affairs
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also met with Mr. Michal Gramatyka, Polish Deputy Minister for Digital Affairs, to discuss mutual cooperation and the exchange of expertise in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt’s launch of several fourth-generation cities, with the New Administrative Capital serving as a prime example of Egypt's digital development.
Dr. Al-Mashat further noted that the protocol of the joint committee includes communications and information technology as important areas for future cooperation, especially given Egypt’s strategic position as a hub for international submarine cables.
In response, the Polish Deputy Minister emphasized Poland's prioritization of digital transformation during its upcoming presidency of the European Union, particularly in the healthcare sector. He expressed Poland’s willingness to share expertise and enhance cooperation with Egypt in these areas.