Japan-Egypt Relations

On September 5th, commencing at 15:15 p.m. local time (21:15 p.m. JST) for approximately 75 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is visiting the Arab Republic of Egypt, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Arab Republic of Egypt. The overview is as follows.

At the outset, Foreign Minister Hayashi expressed his willingness to further strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas such as political, security, economy and development assistance, based on the Japan-Egypt relationship which was elevated to a “Strategic Partnership” during Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Egypt in April.

The two Ministers concurred on working together as co-chairs at the third Japan-Arab Political Dialogue scheduled to be held later on the same day. They also welcomed the progress of cooperation under the framework of the Japan-Egypt-Jordan trilateral consultations.

Minister Hayashi also welcomed positive developments in the bilateral economic relations and stated his willingness to further deepen cooperation in the economic assistance including the Grand Egyptian Museum and a feasibility study to provide a vessel ensuring safety of navigation in the Suez Canal.
In response, Minister Shoukry expressed his gratitude for Japan’s assistance for the development of Egypt to date and his expectation for more Japanese companies to operate in Egypt, and stated that he would like to strengthen the cooperation in various areas such as environment, energy and human resources development.

Furthermore, Minister Hayashi pointed out that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and its decision to terminate its participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) have been seriously affecting the entire international community. The two Ministers concurred that two countries continue close communication in order to ensure global food security.
Regarding the release of ALPS-treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Minister Hayashi explained Japan’s position to Ministry Shoukry, by referring to the IAEA’s assessment in its Comprehensive Report. Minister Shoukry expressed his understanding on Japan’s position and his trust in its action.

The two Ministers also exchanged their views on regional issues such as the Middle East peace and the situation in Sudan, in addition to international issues including nuclear disarmament. They concurred on maintaining cooperation towards stability in the region.