Ambassador confident of stronger relations between Egypt and Vietnam

Marking 72 years of the Egyptian revolution (July 23, 1952 – July 23, 2024), the ambassador wrote an article shedding light on the prospects of cooperation between the two countries. Following is the full text of her article.  

This year, Egypt marks the 72nd anniversary of the Egyptian revolution, the event that shaped the modern political history in Egypt, and significantly inspired other countries in different parts of the world, especially those who were struggling to achieve their independence. The first Egyptian Republic was then established to lead the path of modernization, development and social justice in Egypt.

Not many years later, and in the spirit of solidarity among nations aspiring for independence and development, Egypt and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1963, and they both celebrated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and their longstanding friendship last year.

In recent years, the friendship between Egypt and Vietnam had its highest political manifestation in the historic exchanged state visits of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Vietnam in September 2017, and the late president of Vietnam Tran Dai Quang to Egypt in August 2018. These visits contributed further momentum to relations between the two countries and peoples in all fields, including politics, economics, parliamentary affairs, and culture.

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic ties between Egypt and Vietnam continued to grow, with their two-way trade turnover reaching almost US$600 million in 2022. In addition, Egypt and Vietnam actively resumed the exchange of bilateral visits, and the ninth session of the political consultations between both countries was held in Hanoi in September 2022. Currently, the two countries are working closely to prepare for the sixth session of the Egypt - Vietnam Joint Committee in the coming months.

Indeed, last year witnessed an increasing momentum of bilateral relations, and an increasing number of bilateral visits took place, the most prominent of which were the visit of H.E Tran Luu Quang, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam in July, and the visit of H.E. To Lam, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Cairo in December in his capacity as the Minister of Public Security. We are also coordinating closely this year to arrange more high level visits to be exchanged between both countries, in addition to giving impetus to all bilateral cooperation mechanisms, with a view to boosting economic, political, and cultural ties between the two brotherly countries.

Among other fields of cooperation, cultural cooperation continues to be a very important pillar of bilateral relations. Several joint activities took place in recent years, including cultural festivals and events organized by the two countries. In addition, there is an increasing number of Vietnamese students choosing to study Arabic language in Egypt. Such fruitful cooperation further contributes to raising the awareness of the young generations about the Egypt – Vietnam friendship, and consolidating the cultural links between the two countries.

On the national level, the Egyptian Government has also launched a successful economic reform program since 2016, together with the Egypt Vision 2030 that reflects the country's long-term strategic plan to achieve the principles and goals of sustainable development in all fields.

Egypt is also witnessing real development progress in many fields, where many cities are currently being completed, in addition to the new administrative capital, and an extensive network of roads and tunnels have been constructed. Many national initiatives have been launched such as “a decent life”, which contributes to enhancing the quality of daily public services provided to Egyptian citizens, and the “The Future of Egypt” project which aims to reclaim and develop 1.5 million acres in Egypt.

The Government has adopted two national strategies in the field of hydrogen and the electric car industry, and its successful program regarding renewable energy projects, and electrical interconnection projects with neighbouring countries, along with developing international and domestic airports and ports. Also, the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) is adopting an investor-friendly business environment that will be a cornerstone for national development plans.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere congratulations to Vietnam for its impressive socio-economic achievements in recent years, and the increasing proactive role Vietnam is playing on the regional and international scene to help maintain peace and stability. I am confident that under the current leadership of both our nations, Egypt and Vietnam will continue to explore together the bright future of their friendship and cooperation, and further enhance traditional ties between both countries, and brotherly relations between our two peoples.