Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt, S. Korea mark new chapter in ties as President Yoon visits Cairo
In a celebration of diplomatic relations and shared aspirations for the future, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar El-Sisi welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his spouse today to Cairo.
The visit marks President Lee’s first trip to Egypt since taking office in June 2025, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Egypt and South Korea.
The two leaders were received with full ceremonial honors, including an official review of the guard of honor, the playing of national anthems, and a commemorative photograph with their spouses. The warm welcome underscored the spirit of friendship that has characterized the relationship between the two countries over the past three decades.
President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s eagerness to deepen cooperation with South Korea across economic, investment, educational, and cultural fields. He praised Korea’s remarkable development experience and invited Korean companies to expand their investments in Egypt, particularly in priority sectors such as information technology, automotive production, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, petrochemicals, and mining. President El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s competitive advantages and the attractive incentives on offer to international investors.
President Lee Jae Myung expressed his sincere gratitude for the hospitality extended to him and reiterated South Korea’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Egypt. He commended Egypt’s significant achievements in recent years, including the grand opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum, and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between both nations’ governments and private sectors as drivers of development.
The leaders engaged in comprehensive talks encompassing bilateral relations and pressing regional issues. President El-Sisi briefed his counterpart on Egypt’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza and implement related UN Security Council resolutions, reaffirming Egypt’s steadfast support for a two-state solution as the foundation for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. President Lee praised Egypt’s pivotal regional role, especially in promoting peace and hosting the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit, and voiced South Korea’s support for a two-state solution and Egypt’s efforts in this regard.
On East Asian and Korean Peninsula matters, President Lee outlined his country’s positions and ongoing efforts to maintain balanced and constructive relations in the region. The leaders also exchanged views on several international issues, agreeing on the need to uphold the unity and sovereignty of nations and promote comprehensive political solutions to conflicts.
A key milestone of the visit was the signing of two memoranda of understanding in the fields of culture and education. Discussions also included proposals to establish a Korean University for science and technology and Korean schools in Egypt, aiming to further enrich cultural and educational exchanges.
In a joint press conference, President El-Sisi warmly thanked President Lee for his historical visit and underlined the enduring friendship and shared values between the two nations. He invited more Korean businesses to seize Egypt’s promising market opportunities and spoke of the mutual benefit that continued bilateral cooperation would bring to both peoples.
“As we look ahead to the next chapter of our partnership, we remain united in our commitment to peace, prosperity, and progress—not only for our nations but for the wider world,” President El-Sisi said. He also expressed his anticipation for a return visit to South Korea, building upon the strong foundation laid over thirty years of fruitful partnership.
The visit concludes with both leaders expressing optimism for enhanced collaboration and deeper understanding, reflecting a shared vision for a brighter and more connected future.