Cairo: Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsi met with Vice-President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Yuko Mitsui and her delegation at the ministry's headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. This meeting marks Mitsui's first visit to Egypt since assuming her role.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the discussions centered around enhancing collaboration on projects designed to improve early childhood development. These projects are part of the Egypt-Japan Partnership Initiative in Education and Early Childhood Research. Minister Morsi emphasized the ministry's efforts by establishing reception centers for the children of staff at the ministry's general office and the Ministry of Justice, following the Japanese model. Plans are underway to establish more such centers and nurseries.

Morsi also highlighted the recent national census of nurseries, conducted in response to the President's directive to expand nursery provision and bolster early childhood development in Egypt. The census identified 48,225 nurseries with over 1.7 million children enrolled, setting the stage for a new phase of development.

Yuko Mitsui praised the ministry's efforts and the results of the national nursery census. She reiterated JICA's commitment to supporting Egypt's early childhood vision and acknowledged the strong partnership with the Egyptian government. The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to continue strengthening cooperation between the two nations.

Following the meeting, Mitsui and her delegation toured the reception center at the ministry's headquarters, appreciating the Japanese-inspired model and the services offered at this critical stage of child development.