| 25 June 2023
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a successful state visit to Egypt, where he met with his Egyptian counterpart, Mostafa Madbouly, to discuss the deepening cooperation between the two nations. The discussions encompassed a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, renewable energy, green hydrogen, information technology, digital payment platforms, pharmaceuticals, and people-to-people ties.
The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Egyptian Prime Minister Madbouly took place in the form of a roundtable, attended by seven cabinet ministers and senior officials from both countries. The gathering aimed to strengthen the bilateral ties and explore avenues for enhanced collaboration in various sectors.
In a tweet, Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, expressed the significance of the meeting, stating, "Advancing India-Egypt civilisational relations! In his first engagement in Cairo, PM @narendramodi held a meeting with the newly set up India Unit in the Egyptian Cabinet @CabinetEgy, headed by PM Mostafa Madbouly. Seven Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were present at the meeting."
The discussions revolved around the mutual desire to deepen cooperation and foster growth in several key areas. Trade and investment emerged as a prominent topic, with both leaders emphasizing the potential for increased economic engagement. Renewable energy and green hydrogen, two crucial areas for sustainable development, were also given due attention.
The leaders recognized the importance of leveraging digital technologies and IT collaborations to drive innovation and economic growth. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sector was highlighted as an area for potential collaboration, showcasing the willingness of both nations to address global healthcare challenges together.
The establishment of the India Unit within the Egyptian Cabinet was lauded by Prime Minister Modi, who expressed gratitude for this dedicated high-level platform. The Indian leader praised the whole-of-government approach adopted by Egypt and acknowledged the significance of this unit in promoting bilateral ties.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also had the opportunity to meet with the Grand Mufti of Egypt, Shawki Allam. In their conversation, the Grand Mufti expressed admiration for India's progress and commended Prime Minister Modi's leadership in fostering coexistence and harmony among diverse factions within the country. The meeting further highlighted the strong cooperation between India and Egypt at the religious level, with discussions centered on social and religious harmony in society.
To commemorate the occasion, the Grand Mufti presented a special gift to Prime Minister Modi, underscoring the warmth and goodwill shared between the two nations.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi engaged in fruitful discussions with Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding Company, which is one of the largest Egyptian companies operating in the Middle East and North African region. The talks explored possibilities for closer cooperation between Indian and Egyptian companies in sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen, infrastructure, and construction.
Prime Minister Modi's visit to Egypt also encompassed cultural and historical aspects. He met with prominent yoga instructors, Reem Jabak and Nada Adel, in Cairo, reaffirming the growing popularity and significance of yoga as a means of promoting physical and mental well-being.
Furthermore, the Indian Prime Minister's itinerary included visits to the Al-Hakim Mosque, a historic religious site in Cairo, and the Heliopolis War Grave cemetery, where he paid tribute to Indian soldiers who bravely fought for Egypt during the First World War.
Prime Minister Modi's state visit to Egypt has not only strengthened bilateral ties but also paved the way for deeper cooperation in various sectors. The discussions held during this visit serve as a testament to the commitment of both nations to foster a mutually beneficial partnership rooted in shared values and aspirations.
Commentaires