Egypt and Slovakia have taken a new step toward strengthening bilateral relations through a historic agreement to establish a Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation. The agreement was signed by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and H.E. Mr. Juraj Blanár, Slovakia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, during the Slovak Minister’s visit to Cairo for the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
The ministers emphasized that this new framework would enhance inter-governmental discussions and create an effective platform for expanding areas of collaboration. The committee will serve as a structured mechanism to boost trade, investments, and industrial partnerships while aligning with Egypt’s strategic partnership with the European Union.
Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the long-standing friendship between Egypt and Slovakia, dating back to the 1990s. She underscored that, under the evolving Egyptian-European relations, Slovakia’s role is particularly vital due to its growing influence within the European Union and its increasing focus on cooperation with Middle Eastern and North African countries.
Expanding Business and Tourism Opportunities
The ministers discussed hosting the first session of the Joint Committee soon, focusing on business partnerships assessment and identifying areas for collaboration. These include industrial localization, private sector empowerment, and tourism growth—especially following the grand opening of the world’s largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Egypt and Slovakia aim to leverage their international trade deals with Slovakia to further expand investment flows, promote bilateral tourism, and strengthen private-sector linkages. The Egyptian Minister also expressed optimism that the new framework would help both nations exceed current trade and investment levels, which, though growing, do not yet reflect their full potential.
Slovakia’s Perspective on Global Cooperation
H.E. Mr. Juraj Blanár reaffirmed Slovakia’s intention to deepen ties with countries in the Global South and Africa, with Egypt playing a key role in that strategy. He emphasized that the new cooperation agreement creates a government-level structure to boost economic, commercial, and cultural exchanges.
Currently, more than 45 Slovak companies operate in Egypt with total investments exceeding $560 million, spanning tourism, industry, telecommunications, and agriculture. In 2024, approximately 1.4 million Slovak tourists visited Egypt—demonstrating the strength of tourism connections and future opportunities for expanded travel. (You can explore travel options through our travel platform.)
Building Sustainable Economic Growth
Both ministers agreed that the Joint Committee will enhance coordination on economic policies and help Egypt and Slovakia align their stances in international forums. This effort supports Egypt’s ongoing strategy to diversify economic partnerships and attract global investors. The initiative also builds on existing mechanisms managed by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, which oversees around 55 joint committees worldwide.
This partnership not only strengthens bilateral cooperation but also promotes inclusive growth, innovation, and long-term economic stability between Egypt and Slovakia.
“This story was first reported by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt. Read the full article here.”
