Cairo: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania A. Al-Mashat held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Ebisawa Yu, the newly appointed Head Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Egypt, in the presence of Mr. Kato Ken, the former representative. The meeting focused on strengthening Egypt-Japan cooperation and exploring new avenues for future partnership.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Minister Al-Mashat expressed gratitude to Mr. Kato Ken for his leadership during his tenure at JICA Egypt, acknowledging his role in advancing major bilateral projects in sectors such as education, healthcare, transportation, and economic development. She welcomed Mr. Ebisawa Yu, extending her best wishes for his new role and expressing confidence in his ability to further elevate the Egypt-Japan partnership.
Minister Al-Mashat highlighted the depth of collaboration in bilateral and multilateral development initiatives, emphasizing the Egyptian government’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Japan to align with Egypt’s strategic development priorities. Over the years, the two countries have successfully launched transformative projects in key sectors, reinforcing their shared vision for sustainable growth and economic integration.
Notable achievements under Japan’s cooperation with Egypt include financing for universal health coverage, funding for the fourth phase of the Cairo Metro, a development grant for the Egyptian Opera House, and a program supporting economic and social development in agriculture. JICA has also contributed to private sector support, particularly in energy projects, such as the 500 MW solar power plant in Kom Ombo, Aswan, and the onshore wind farm project in Ras Ghareb under the “NWFE” program.
Minister Al-Mashat noted that Egypt and Japan have executed long-term flagship projects with lasting economic and social impact, such as the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST). She emphasized the importance of continuing to expand cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, digital entrepreneurship, and industrial localization.
A key focus of future cooperation will be strengthening private sector investment mechanisms, enhancing scientific research and innovation, and leveraging Japanese expertise in artificial intelligence and infrastructure modernization. Minister Al-Mashat reiterated the importance of collaboration between JICA and Egyptian ministries in education, healthcare, and transport to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.
Minister Al-Mashat announced plans for the joint declaration of the “Egypt-Japan Cooperation Strategy” and the publication of a comprehensive report on Egypt-Japan cooperation at the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). She also confirmed that discussions are underway for financing the fourth batch of the Cairo Metro’s fourth line (Phase I), underscoring the critical role of Japanese investment in Egypt’s infrastructure projects.
Minister Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt’s deep appreciation for Japan’s ongoing support, highlighting the mutual respect and shared ambitions that define their partnership. She expressed Egypt’s commitment to expanding collaboration with Japan, ensuring the relationship continues to evolve in ways that align with the development priorities of both nations.