Al-Mashat welcomed the Vietnamese delegation, highlighting the evolving relationship between the two countries, which is marked by high-level visits and a shared vision. She mentioned the leaders' recent announcement to elevate their relations to a strategic partnership.
Egypt and Vietnam have maintained strong ties since
establishing diplomatic relations in 1963. The minister noted that 2025 will
mark the 62nd anniversary of these relations.
Al-Mashat and Son discussed preparations for the sixth
session of the Joint Committee, which will create subcommittees to explore new
areas of cooperation. Egypt is Vietnam's largest trading partner in North
Africa, and both countries serve as strategic gateways for each other's
exports—Egypt to the Middle East and Africa, and Vietnam to Asia. The two
nations have shown a mutual commitment to strengthening ties through historic
presidential visits, including President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to
Vietnam in 2017 and the late Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang's visit to
Egypt in 2018.
The officials also discussed the importance of a business forum
and workshops during the Joint Committee meeting to facilitate knowledge
exchange in areas like economic development, foreign investment, aquaculture,
entrepreneurship, green development, and renewable energy. Al-Mashat
highlighted the Egyptian government's efforts to improve the business climate
and stressed the importance of learning from Vietnam's development experience.
Son praised Egypt's development achievements and welcomed
the comprehensive partnership. He emphasized the need for an action plan to
implement the agreements reached by the presidents.
Egyptian-Vietnamese relations date back to the 1960s. In 1997, the two countries signed an agreement to form a joint ministerial committee that has convened five times. Vietnam is also a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.