Cairo, Tokyo deepen economic, investment ties
Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly met with his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, on the sidelines of the closing session of the 9thTokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama.
Representing President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Madbouly’s participation in the conference highlights Egypt’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Japan and Africa. The meeting, attended by key Egyptian ministers, underscored the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, which was elevated to a strategic partnership in April 2023.
GEM, education at the forefront
Madbouly praised the historic relations between Egypt and Japan, which span over 70 years. He extended a personal invitation for Prime Minister Ishiba to attend the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled for 1st November. The Prime Minister expressed deep gratitude for Japan’s vital role in numerous national development projects, particularly its substantial contribution to the GEM.
The partnership in education was another key topic. Madbouly highlighted the success of the Egyptian-Japanese University and the establishment of 69 Egyptian-Japanese schools. He expressed his ambition to increase this number to 500 schools in the future. The Prime Minister also spoke about the newly launched Egyptian University for Science and Technology, describing it as an exceptional educational model and expressing his hope that it will soon be able to welcome African students.
Expanding economic, technological collaboration
Looking ahead, Madbouly affirmed Egypt’s desire to expand co-operation into advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and its governance. He specifically pitched the idea of establishing a Japanese industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone). This would allow Japanese businesses to capitalise on the region’s strategic location, logistical advantages, and the favourable trade agreements Egypt has with various economic blocs.
The discussion also touched upon climate change and green energy. Madbouly voiced his aspiration to open new avenues of economic co-operation in these areas, particularly inviting Japanese companies to invest in Egypt’s green hydrogen strategy, which was approved in August 2024.
Shared vision on peace,regional security
Beyond economic matters, the two leaders discussed regional and global challenges. Madbouly praised the tripartite co-operation between the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, and African countries. This collaboration has already resulted in joint peacekeeping and peace building programmes, with Japan supporting the work of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peace building (CCCPA).
Madbouly emphasised his hope for Japan to continue as a strategic partner of the Aswan Peace Forum, helping to strengthen regional responses to peace and security challenges across Africa.
Madbouly also reiterated Egypt’s firm position on the Israeli conflict in the Gaza Strip. He condemned the ongoing war and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis. He reaffirmed Egypt’s rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians and highlighted Cairo’s persistent efforts to broker a comprehensive ceasefire and de-escalate tensions throughout the Middle East.
In response, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his appreciation for the longstanding bilateral relations and cultural co-operation, especially in the construction of the GEM. He echoed Madbouly’s concerns over the situation in Gaza, calling on Israel to abide by international law and improve the humanitarian situation. He also voiced his support for any Japanese company wishing to invest in the SCZone and expressed interest in having a Japanese representative at the GEM opening. Ishiba confirmed Japan’s commitment to co-operating on new and renewable energy projects and providing the necessary support.
The TICAD 9 conference, which concluded yesterday, focused on strengthening links between Africa and the Indo-Pacific region. The final communique underlined proposals to solve problems facing African states, an approach intended to distinguish Japan’s engagement from that of China, which has significantly expanded its influence on the continent.
AloJapan.com