Tazeen Akhtar
Pakistan and Egypt have expressed their deep desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in all spheres, specifically after high level engagements in recent months that gave a remarkable momentum to the mutual ties. The reciprocal visits of Foreign Ministers and their engagements at other places during the Middle East crisis played a role in strengthening the understanding to transform cordial political relations into meaningful economic cooperation.
This resolve from both sides was observed at the celebration of the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Islamabad on 16 July 2026 at Serena Hotels. Ambassador H.E Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid Hassan hosted a grand reception, graced by Federal Minister Commerce Jam Kamal Khan as Chief Guest. Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, Rana Ehsan Afzal, Additional Secretary MOFA Ambassador H.E Hamid Asghar Khan was also present at the occasion.
Dean of Diplomatic Corp , Ambassador H.E Atadjan Movlamov , Acting Dean of Africa, Ambassador Algeria H.E Brahim Romani also graced the event with their presence.
Ambassador in his welcome address shed light on the history of the National Day and termed it the restoration of social justice and human dignity in his country. He said, Egypt is on the path of development and stability today.
H.E Dr. Ihab Mohamed Abdelhamid spoke highly about relations with Pakistan that he said are multifaceted and have seen great momentum in the last two years. He mentioned the visits of foreign ministers in this regard.
He said, both sides have political resolve to enhance partnership to move forward to more robust and dynamic relations.
Ambassador touching the ongoing crisis in the Middle East said, we are facing global challenges that both sides are tackling with dialogue diplomacy.
H.E was optimistic that both countries can forge a strategic partnership with tangible results in trade and business cooperation.
Ambassador appreciated the hospitality and generosity of Pakistani people that he experienced after his posting in Islamabad.
Pakistan’s Minister Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan , in his keynote address, shared with the guests the whole spectrum of bilateral relations and future prospects.
First he conveyed felicitations of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan to the Government and people of Egypt on their national day and expressed the best wishes for them.
Minister called Egypt as a key partner of Pakistan in the Arab World. He said, both countries can cooperate in defense including training and military interactions. He also mentioned the role both countries played in restoration of peace and stability in the Muslim world and beyond.
President H.E Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has kindly accepted the invitation to visit Pakistan and we are looking forward to welcoming him anxiously, Jam Kamal said while sharing his memories of visit to Cairo for D-8 conference.
Minister said, I met with officials and heads of Egyptian companies and found enthusiasm on both sides to translate the mutual understanding into industria cooperation and connectivity.
” Egyptian companies are interested in real estate, power and other sectors. Pakistan offers access to South and Central Asia and China to Egypt. Egyptian food , logistic industries can avail the opportunities in Pakistan.” Jam Kamal noted.
Pakistan and Egypt have potential to develop joint ventures, value chains creating jobs and joint production. In the second phase, other countries can also benefit from our bilateral achievements, Jam Kamal said.
A delegation of agriculture and textile sector of Egypt is due in Islamabad. Minister welcomed the delegation and said, Egypt recently participated in Food Expo Karachi. Now Pakistan will attend a conference on Food in Egypt to be held on 7-10 Dec.
Jam Kamal Khan expressed gratitude for Egyptian help in sending relief from Pakistan to Gaze as the only channel of communication is provided by Egypt.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal, emphasizing the importance of the occasion, engaged with diplomats to underscore the profound, historical, and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Egypt.
He said, the event highlighted a shared vision for enhanced economic cooperation, shifting from traditional trade to strategic partnerships in investment, technology, and industrial collaboration. Both nations expressed a mutual commitment to leveraging their unique regional positions—Egypt as a gateway to Africa and the Middle East, and Pakistan as a key hub for South Asian markets—to foster long-term prosperity.
Earlier the national anthem of both countries were played and a ceremonial cake was cut by the chief guest alongwith the host ambassador. A documentary on the development of Egypt was also screened for the information of the guests.
The spacious halls of Serena Hotels were decorated with Egyptian colors and paintings of their heritage and traditions. Egypt’s heritage is a multi-layered tapestry spanning over 5,000 years, encompassing the monumental legacy of the Pharaohs, rich Coptic Christian history, and masterpieces of Islamic architecture. Its vast cultural landscape is globally recognized, hosting seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-class archaeological museums.
Featured Foto : Sultan Bashir
