Monday, 25 May 2026
Source: Egyptian Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation
Egypt’s international cooperation at the forefront during G20 Summit
Johannesburg — Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, recently led a series of productive bilateral meetings with international counterparts on the sidelines of the G20 Development Ministers’ meetings in South Africa. These discussions aimed to deepen partnerships and advance global and regional development cooperation with partners from across the world.
Over a series of intensive sessions, Dr. Al-Mashat engaged with heads of delegations from G20 countries, senior officials from United Nations agencies, and representatives of major international financial institutions. The leaders exchanged views on outcomes from the G20 Development Ministers’ conference, the Seville Conference on Financing for Development, and other international forums, emphasizing a shared commitment to reforming the global financial system and overcoming development financing challenges—especially for emerging and developing economies.
Dr. Al-Mashat’s meetings highlighted the importance of sustainable partnerships. Notable talks were held with Mr. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, France’s Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, emphasizing robust Egypt-France economic ties, from major public transport projects to renewable energy and education partnerships. Dr. Al-Mashat and Mr. Soilihi welcomed the elevation of Egypt-EU relations to a strategic partnership, further opening the doors for increased foreign investment.
With Mr. Randeep Sarai, Canada’s new Minister of State for International Development, Dr. Al-Mashat welcomed opportunities to expand joint action, especially in economic empowerment, climate initiatives, and human development. She also praised Canada’s previous collaborations on climate finance supporting Egypt’s green initiatives, expressing confidence in the new Canadian government’s support for deeper cooperation.
Meetings with Ms. Sim Ann, Singapore’s Senior Minister at the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Development, and Mr. Hisashi Matsumoto, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, focused on leveraging longstanding friendships to broaden joint ventures in trade, education, and sustainable development. Recent agreements with Japan, including support for the Egyptian Opera House and capacity-building grants for Suez Canal emergency response, reflect an evolving and dynamic partnership.
The discussions extended to South Korea as well, with Dr. Al-Mashat meeting Mr. Ko Yun-ki, Korean Vice Foreign Minister for Multilateral Cooperation. Both sides underscored the strategic developmental partnership, which has seen significant investments in technology and knowledge exchange. South Korea recently selected Egypt as a strategic partner for development cooperation through 2025, heralding renewed mutual investment and collaboration.
With Ms. Ana Isabel Xavier, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Development, Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed their countries’ shared goals in renewable energy, information technology, and expanding foreign direct investment, given today’s rapidly evolving global economic landscape.
In an important meeting, Dr. Al-Mashat also held talks with Ms. Cecilia Ogas Estrada, Director of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The two discussed the growing partnership between the Egyptian government and UNIDO, focusing on a joint cooperation program. Dr. Al-Mashat underlined Egypt’s strong relationship with UNIDO, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance industrial competitiveness through economic diversification, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), advancing green growth, and promoting skills development.
These initiatives directly support Egypt’s Vision 2030 and strengthen the country’s standing in both the regional and global economies.
A key meeting with Ms. Cindy Hensley McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), reviewed joint efforts to strengthen food security and scale up ongoing projects under WFP’s Egypt Country Strategy (2023–2028). Dr. Al-Mashat commended the enduring partnership with WFP for enhancing sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, with mutual support for Egypt’s green government project portfolio.
In talks with Ms. Mary Beth Goodman, Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), discussions centered on ongoing projects across inclusive growth, innovation, governance, and sustainable development, all aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Dr. Al-Mashat lauded the OECD’s collaboration with the African Union on the upcoming “Africa Development Dynamics 2025” report, which promises valuable insights to help African countries navigate financial and economic challenges.