Yokohama: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli hailed the over 70-year-old ties between Egypt and Japan, noting the decision to elevate them to a strategic partnership in April 2023. He stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Thursday in Japan's Yokohama city, held on the sidelines of the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting was attended by Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Rania El-Mashat, Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif, and Egypt's Ambassador to Japan Mohamed Abu Bakr. Madbouli, representing President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, expressed hope that the Japanese prime minister would attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled for November 1.
He praised Japan's support for Egypt's development efforts, particularly its role in the GEM, and highlighted the success of the bilateral educational partnership, which has resulted in the establishment of 69 Egyptian-Japanese schools and the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST). Madbouli also outlined Egypt's future vision, saying he looks forward to expanding the number of Egyptian-Japanese schools to 500 and open the university to students from across Africa.
He also called for greater cooperation in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital governance, and proposed the creation of a Japanese industrial zone within the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), citing its strategic location and competitive investment incentives. He also stressed mutual interests with Japan in addressing climate change and advancing green development, citing opportunities within Egypt's green hydrogen strategy launched in August 2024.
Madbouli pointed to ongoing trilateral cooperation involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD), and African countries in peacekeeping and conflict settlement. He noted that joint programs with the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) as a key example of this collaboration.
On regional stability, Madbouli reiterated Egypt's firm opposition to Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza and the continued blockade of humanitarian aid. He strongly condemned the forced displacement of Palestinians and reaffirmed Egypt's ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure a comprehensive ceasefire and de-escalate tensions in the region.
In response, the Japanese prime minister voiced support for Egypt's mediation efforts in Gaza and its calls for compliance with international law. He praised the longstanding Egypt-Japan partnership, particularly in cultural cooperation such as the GEM, asserting Japan's keenness on expanding Japanese investment in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Ishiba also reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting new and renewable energy projects in Egypt, and pledged backing for joint scientific and educational initiatives, particularly through scholarships for African students at the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology. He also expressed interest in Egypt's participation in the 2027 World Horticultural Exhibition in Yokohama city.
Madbouli concluded the meeting by congratulating Ishiba on the successful organization of TICAD 9, especially its focus on renewable energy, and expressed Egypt's keenness to boost cooperation with Japan in all sectors.