Cairo: Margaret Sarofim, Vice Minister of Social Solidarity, welcomed Mr. Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, Minister of International Development of the Kingdom of Norway, and his accompanying delegation to the Ministry's headquarters. The meeting, also attended by Dina El Seify, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and Agreements, focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across several areas of mutual interest.According to State Information Service Egypt, Sarofim reaffirmed the strengthening Egypt-Norway ties and the Ministry's strategy for social protection and economic empowerment. She highlighted the Takaful and Karama program, a pioneering model tying social support to health and education, aiming to foster self-reliance through microloans and small-scale projects.Sarofim highlighted successful collaborations, notably a joint project in Minya Governorate with the FAO and Norwegian Embassy, enhancing food security and inclusion for people with disabilities. She invited Minister Aukrust to visit and see its impact directly.Sarofim further discussed the Ministry's efforts in early childhood development under the 'Care Economy' framework and highlighted Egypt's humanitarian response to those displaced by conflict, noting that Egypt-under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi-has provided around 70% of total humanitarian aid sent to Gaza. She also reviewed the Egyptian Red Crescent's vital role in delivering aid domestically and regionally.Concluding the meeting, Sarofim emphasized that Egyptian women are experiencing a 'golden age' of empowerment under strong political support. Minister Aukrust expressed his appreciation for Egypt's achievements and reiterated Norway's commitment to deepening cooperation in development and humanitarian fields.