* "Al-Mashat": Promoting cooperation with the Korean side in the areas of developmental cooperation, trade, and investments... and strengthening triangular partnerships with African countries.

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received Mr. Chang Won Sam, President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital during his visit to Egypt. 

The meeting discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation and opening new avenues to expand joint collaboration.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the depth of Egyptian-Korean relations, considering Korea as one of Egypt’s primary partners in Asia. H.E. highlighted that the cooperation between the two countries is a unique example of impactful partnerships, demonstrated through the implementation of several pioneering projects in Egypt, in line with the national development goals to achieve sustainable development. 

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also pointed out that Egypt is classified as one of the top five priority partners in South Korea’s development cooperation efforts, which will strengthen the depth of the bilateral cooperation and reflects the shared commitment to achieving sustainable development.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat expressed appreciation for the agreement signed at the Cabinet level, which supports efforts to link education with industry, continuing the fruitful partnership between the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and the Korean side to support the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's initiatives.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that Egyptian-Korean relations extend beyond development cooperation and include trade, investment, and other areas. H.E. explained that many Korean companies are investing in Egypt across various sectors, such as technology, communications, electronics, and more. She affirmed that the government is keen on advancing cooperation with the Korean side and providing full support to Korean investments in Egypt.

The President of KOICA expressed his country’s appreciation for its relations with the Arab Republic of Egypt in various fields, noting that the current visit aims to enhance partnership and expand cooperation, including triangular cooperation with African countries.

It is worth noting that H.E. Minister Rania Al-Mashat led the Egyptian delegation at the Korea-Africa Summit held last June, on behalf of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The summit was attended by representatives from 48 African countries, and H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat held multiple meetings with Korean government officials and institutions during the summit.

The partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Republic of Korea represents a historical relationship that has witnessed significant progress in recent years under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. South Korea is considered one of Egypt's key Asian development partners, with economic relations between the two countries starting in 1987.

The development cooperation portfolio between the two countries amounts to $1.3 billion, including approximately $85 million in development grants provided by KOICA. These grants cover various fields such as higher education, intellectual property, vocational training, information technology, the establishment of an electronic system for government procurement, economic empowerment for women, combating gender-based violence, and supporting the most vulnerable groups.