Monday, 25 May 2026
Japan honors former Egyptian finance minister
Japan has awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star to H.E. Dr. Mohamed Maait, Egypt’s former Minister of Finance, in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening ties between Japan and Egypt. The decoration ceremony took place on February 16 at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan.
Bestowed by His Majesty the Emperor of Japan, the honor acknowledges Dr. Maait’s leadership and accomplishments during his tenure as Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Universal Health Insurance Authority from 2018 to 2024.
Dr. Maait played a key role in issuing Egypt’s first-ever Samurai bonds, helping the country raise approximately 500 million US dollars in March 2022. He also championed the development of Egypt’s Universal Health Coverage system, an initiative Japan has supported since its earliest stages.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Iwai highlighted Dr. Maait’s achievements and expressed deep appreciation for his work.
In his remarks, Dr. Maait described Japan‑Egypt relations as a model of friendship and cooperation, noting strong collaboration in education, culture, and healthcare. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for receiving the prestigious decoration.