Cairo: Dr Maya Morsi, Minister of Social Solidarity, engaged in a meeting with Mr Eiway Fumio, the Japanese Ambassador to Cairo, along with his delegation. The meeting was attended by key officials including Engineer Margreet Saroufim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity, Ms Dina Al-Sayarfi, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and Relations, and Ms Amira Taj El-Din, Director General of the General Administration for Agreements and International Relations, at the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s office in the New Administrative Capital.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation and strengthening the partnership between the two nations in various areas. Dr Morsi expressed her appreciation for the ambassador’s efforts and highlighted the positive impact of the Director General of the Child Administration’s recent visit to Japan, which focused on learning from Japan’s expertise in managing nurseries.

The meeting outlined the ministry’s future priorities and areas where collaboration with Japan could be beneficial, particularly in increasing early childhood nurseries to support women’s integration into the workforce. They also discussed cooperation in elder care and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities, especially in hospitals.

Further discussions included building the capacity of civil society organisations by offering training programs to workers, promoting economic security, and alleviating poverty through government and civil society partnerships. The Japanese Ambassador commended the ministry’s efforts and reiterated Japan’s commitment, through JICA, to supporting Egypt in social development initiatives.

A JICA official mentioned their recent training activities, including a session on agriculture, and emphasized their experience in working with civil society organisations. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhancing cooperative efforts in the future.