To promote business and economic cooperation, Pakistan and Egypt have agreed on concrete steps to facilitate private-sector partnerships and expand commercial linkages.
During a meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, with Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and delegation-level talks, the two sides decided to identify 250 Pakistani business houses in the first phase, which would be enhanced to 500 in the second phase for visa facilitation.
The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of Pakistan–Egypt bilateral relations, including political, economic, trade and defence relations; cultural and educational cooperation; and collaboration in the health sector, including Egypt’s support to Pakistan’s national Hepatitis C elimination efforts.
They also decided to establish the Pakistan–Egypt Business Council to institutionalise private-sector cooperation and promote mutually beneficial commercial partnerships. The two sides also decided to establish the Pakistan–Egypt Business Forum to advance economic collaboration.
It will convene in the second quarter of 2026, on the sidelines of the meeting of the bilateral Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC). JMC would be co-chaired by the two Foreign Ministers. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to activate bilateral institutional mechanisms and to hold a senior official-level meeting in the first quarter of 2026.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments. Pakistan appreciated Egypt’s pivotal diplomatic and humanitarian role in Gaza, including its efforts toward ceasefire arrangements and facilitation of humanitarian assistance. The two sides reiterated their principled support for the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister also announced the decision to double the number of scholarships offered by Al-Azhar University for Pakistani students.
During the visit, Dr Badr Abdelatty also called on President Asif Ali Zardari. The President underscored the historic ties between Pakistan and Egypt and conveyed Pakistan’s desire to elevate the partnership across all domains. Views were exchanged on matters of bilateral cooperation, regional stability, and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The President appreciated Egypt’s leadership and constructive diplomatic engagement on issues of regional importance.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister also held a meeting with the Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at General Headquarters. Discussions focused on defence and security cooperation, military exchanges, training collaborations, and regional peace and stability. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued high-level engagement between the armed forces of the two countries.
Dr Badr Abdelatty also interacted with members of Pakistan’s business community during his engagements in Islamabad, highlighting the potential for expanding trade and investment partnerships.
The visit of the Foreign Minister of Egypt contributed to further strengthening the longstanding Pakistan–Egypt relationship and provided an important opportunity to deepen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to continue working together for regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.
