Johannesburg: Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly expressed his aspiration to strengthen relations between Egypt and Vietnam in various fields, while praising Vietnam's economic development and model.

According to State Information Service Egypt, this declaration was made during a meeting with Pham Minh Chinh, the Prime Minister of Vietnam, alongside Badr Abdelatty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, and Egypt's Ambassador to South Africa, Ahmed Ali Sherif. The meeting took place during Madbouly's participation in the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, representing President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Madbouly acknowledged the contributions of Vietnamese companies operating in Egypt, highlighting the investments by EUROPLAS, which established a factory in Sadat City and aims to expand within the Suez Canal Economic Zone. He also mentioned Song Hong Company's partnership with Giza Spinning and Weaving Company to open a garment factory in Aswan, alongside potential investments by VinGroup in electric vehicle manufacturing.

The prime minister emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive plan to enhance bilateral relations, leveraging Egypt's geographical position and its membership in various free trade agreements to facilitate Vietnamese goods accessing neighboring markets. Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh commended the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and expressed his eagerness to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Chinh expressed Vietnam's interest in exploring a free trade agreement with Egypt to leverage the capabilities of both nations and their trade agreements. He also emphasized the need to ease visa procedures, particularly for investors, and simplify processes for establishing Vietnamese companies in Egypt.

Chinh highlighted the potential for bilateral cooperation, suggesting the establishment of a joint high-level committee and enhancing private sector partnerships. He also expressed interest in coordinating efforts in international and regional forums.

In conclusion, Madbouly agreed with the cooperation proposals from his Vietnamese counterpart and expressed Egypt's readiness to welcome a delegation of Vietnamese businesspeople. He also noted potential collaboration in communications and information technology, reiterating Egypt's interest in attracting Vietnamese investments in this sector.