In celebration of the Emperor of Japan, Ambassador Fumio Iwai hosted a gathering that highlighted the enduring and exemplary relations between Japan and Egypt. Elevated to a strategic partnership in April 2023, these ties continue to thrive across diplomatic, economic, educational, and cultural sectors, reflecting mutual respect and deep cooperation.
Strengthening Diplomatic Engagements
Ambassador Iwai underscored the importance of recent high-level exchanges that have reinforced the partnership. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry’s participation in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Japanese State Minister Fuji’s visit to Cairo last December, and Minister of Education Mohamed Abdel Latif’s recent trip to Japan all demonstrate the two nations’ commitment to strengthening their ties.
Seven Decades of Development Cooperation
For over 70 years, Japan has been a reliable partner in Egypt’s development, contributing significantly to agriculture, education, infrastructure, and healthcare. Landmark projects such as the Egyptian Opera House, the Children’s Hospital at Cairo University, and the Egyptian-Japanese University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) stand as testaments to this longstanding collaboration. Japan is also eagerly anticipating the grand opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a milestone that will further solidify its contributions to Egypt’s cultural and tourism sectors.
Advancing Educational Excellence
Japan’s commitment to education is evident in the adoption of Japanese learning methodologies in Egypt. Following President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to Japan in 2016, Egypt began incorporating the Tokkatsu system, a holistic approach that fosters student responsibility, teamwork, and social skills. The initiative has led to the establishment of 100 Egyptian-Japanese Schools (EJS), bringing Japanese educational excellence to Egyptian students.
E-JUST continues to serve as a hub for technological innovation and research, ranking among Egypt’s top universities. Through such initiatives, Japan plays a crucial role in shaping Egypt’s future leaders and innovators.
Cultural Ties and Future Prospects
Culturally, Japan and Egypt share deep connections. The Egyptian Opera House, rebuilt with Japanese support in 1988, remains a powerful symbol of their friendship. Additionally, the upcoming “Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs” exhibition in Tokyo will showcase Egypt’s rich heritage, further strengthening cultural appreciation between the two nations.
Ambassador Iwai also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming inauguration of GEM, emphasizing its potential as a global center of artifact preservation and management.
Commitment to Regional Stability and Humanitarian Efforts
Beyond bilateral cooperation, Japan has demonstrated a strong commitment to regional humanitarian efforts. Since October 2023, it has pledged nearly $230m in aid to Palestinians, reaffirming its role in fostering peace and stability in the region. The ambassador acknowledged Egypt’s critical role in regional diplomacy and humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing ongoing challenges.
As Japan and Egypt continue to deepen their strategic partnership, their shared vision for development, education, cultural exchange, and regional stability paves the way for a stronger, more prosperous future for both nations.
