Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan hosted the Third Strategic Dialogue with Egypt on June 3, as Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu met with Dr. Badr Abdelatty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The meeting served to deepen the bilateral relationship, highlighted by the signing of two key agreements. The ministers formalized a Memorandum of Cooperation and a second Memorandum of Cooperation regarding the Framework for Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Minister Motegi opened the dialogue by welcoming Minister Abdelatty, noting his extensive diplomatic background, including his previous service at the Egyptian Embassy in Japan. Minister Motegi reflected on the development of bilateral relations since his own visit to Egypt in 2021, emphasizing that the new memorandums are significant steps in advancing their cooperative ties.

The discussion covered regional security, specifically the situation surrounding Iran. This conversation built upon a telephone exchange held in April, and the ministers agreed to continue their dialogue on regional and international issues during a working dinner scheduled for June 4.

According to the Foreign Ministry, economic cooperation was a central theme in the meeting, with Minister Moregi noting the growing interest among Japanese companies in Egypt, particularly in the clean energy sector such as wind power generation. He encouraged the Egyptian government to continue streamlining procedures to improve the business environment.

Minister Abdelatty welcomed the prospect of further Japanese investment and pledged that Egypt would work to establish a favorable investment climate.

The ministers also addressed the Egypt-Japan Education Partnership, an initiative launched by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and agreed to continue strengthening their cooperation in this field.

Looking toward the future, Minister Motegi welcomed Egypt’s participation in the upcoming GREENxEXPO 2027 in Yokohama, and both officials confirmed their commitment to the success of the event. Furthermore, following Motegi’s recent visit to Africa, the ministers concurred on the importance of cooperating toward the success of TICAD 10, which is set to take place in 2028.

Ragui ElEtreby, the Ambassador of Egypt to Japan, attended the meeting alongside IWAI Fumio, the Ambassador of Japan to Egypt.