Cairo: Dr. Manal Awad, the Minister of Local Development, held a meeting with Mr. Kim Yong-hyun, the South Korean Ambassador to Cairo, at the Ministry of Local Development in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Hossam Al-Qawish, the Minister’s Assistant for International Cooperation, Dr. Khaled Qassem, the Minister’s Assistant for Institutional Development and Policy Support, and a delegation from the South Korean Embassy.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Egypt and South Korea, highlighting the strong ties and cooperative efforts between the two nations. The discussions centered on areas of joint cooperation and the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Local Development and the Korean Ministry of Security and Interior. Key topics included a Korean grant for a simulation model to train local staff in solid waste management, scholarship and training programs in South Korea, and feasibility studies for ministry projects.
The dialogue also explored mechanisms to implement the agreement, focusing on collaboration between the Samuel Andong Foundation and the “Decent Life” initiative, a globally recognized rural development program. Training and development provisions outlined in the memorandum were also discussed.
Dr. Manal Awad expressed the ministry’s interest in leveraging South Korea’s expertise in local administration and development, acknowledging the significant bilateral growth in recent years. She highlighted the ministry’s focus on training, capacity-building, women’s empowerment, economic clustering, environmental conservation, combating climate change, digital transformation, and the green economy.
The South Korean Ambassador congratulated Dr. Awad on her historic appointment as the first Egyptian woman to serve as Minister of Local Development. He affirmed his commitment to supporting the implementation of the memorandum’s initiatives, recognizing the ministry’s crucial role in advancing development at the governorate level.
Mr. Kim Yong-hyun emphasized the potential for expanding cooperation, particularly in transferring Korean technology for solid waste management, environmental protection, and climate change mitigation. He also highlighted the importance of training and building local capacities.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue coordination and communication to implement the signed cooperation memorandum’s terms and explore new collaborative opportunities.