Egypt and South Korea Reaffirm Commitment to Joint Efforts for Peace and Stability

Cairo, Oct 8 (KUNA) — Egypt and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed on Thursday their commitment to joint efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula. This was stated in a joint statement marking the state visit being made by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to the Republic of Korea, at the invitation of Korean President Lee Jae-myung, from October 7 to 9, according to Egyptian Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy.

The statement explained that this visit followed President Lee’s visit to Egypt in November 2025, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, thereby establishing a reciprocal exchange of visits between the leaders and reflecting the importance both countries attach to their bilateral relations, including through a joint committee chaired by the two foreign ministers.

It noted that the two presidents agreed to continue strategic dialogue on regional and international issues of common interest, including the Palestinian issue, water security, the situation in the Horn of Africa, Yemen, Libya, and freedom of international navigation.

Furthermore, based on the solid relations between the two countries and reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation grounded in their shared vision for peace and prosperity, the two countries agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. Through this partnership, they will work to deepen and broaden the horizons of future cooperation.

Both countries affirmed that they will enhance political exchanges and continue dialogue and consultations between their foreign ministries to share perspectives on key areas of strategic cooperation and other issues of common interest. They welcomed the holding of the first Strategic Dialogue between the foreign ministers in Seoul on June 2, 2026, and the continued discussion and follow-up of progress made in various aspects of bilateral relations. They also welcomed the continuation of cooperation and the pursuit of further progress in defense industry cooperation.

They reaffirmed their firm commitment to joint efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties as a fundamental pillar supporting comprehensive economic cooperation, and the leaders welcomed the launch of negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in this context.

The statement noted that an agreement was reached to expand cooperation across various sectors and fields, including manufacturing, particularly shipbuilding, electric vehicles, energy, infrastructure, advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and smart cities. It also highlighted efforts to enhance the Suez Canal Economic Zone and localize industries, as well as to increase investments in these areas.

Both sides acknowledged Egypt’s strategic importance as a gateway to Africa and reaffirmed the promising potential to expand trilateral cooperation among Egypt, the Republic of Korea, and African countries.

Regarding cultural and educational cooperation, the statement confirmed the continued implementation of various forms of cooperation in accordance with memoranda of understanding, and encouraged further cultural exchanges, recognizing the rich cultural heritage of both countries, including creative content and historical legacy. An agreement was also reached to designate 2027 as the Year of Cultural Exchanges.

Both sides expressed their interest and commitment to developing educational programs, including scholarships, Korean language education, and youth training initiatives, and to enhancing technical and vocational education and training programs in Egypt to meet labor market needs and align with sustainable development.

The statement concluded that this strategic partnership represents a qualitative leap in bilateral relations and opens up broad prospects for fruitful cooperation that will benefit the peoples of the Republic of Korea and the Arab Republic of Egypt, and contribute to enhancing stability and prosperity. (End) A.F.F. / T.A.B.