The two sides reviewed the latest developments in AI applications in both countries, building on discussions initiated during Minister Urso’s visit to Egypt in April 2024, which aimed to lay the groundwork for constructive collaboration in AI and its related infrastructure.
Dr. Talaat presented the key pillars and objectives of Egypt’s second National AI Strategy. He noted that the strategy focuses on building digital capabilities, AI governance, promoting innovation, research and development, and boosting international cooperation.
Minister Urso highlighted Italy’s efforts to support AI-driven startups and outlined the initiative launched during Italy’s 2024 G7 presidency to establish an “AI for Sustainable Development” center. The center aims to harness AI to support development efforts across Africa. He expressed interest in strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation to advance the initiative’s goals and thanked Egypt’s ICT Ministry for nominating a representative to the center’s executive committee.
Dr. Talaat affirmed the alignment between Egypt’s AI strategy and Italy’s initiative. He welcomed cooperation with the new center in light of Egypt’s efforts to foster regional collaboration in AI at both the Arab and African levels—efforts that contributed to the launch of the Unified Arab AI Strategy and the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy.
Dr. Ahmed Tantawy, head of Egypt’s Applied Innovation Center, participated in the executive committee meeting held in Rome, where Egypt was officially selected as a member of the committee.
The meeting was attended by Engineer Ahmed El-Zaher, CEO of the
Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Engineer Sherine
El-Gendy, Assistant Minister of Communications and Information Technology for
Strategy and Implementation, and Samah Aziz, Supervisor of the Central
Department for International Relations at the ICT Ministry.
The meeting was part of Dr. Talaat’s visit to Italy, which came at the invitation of Minister Urso. During the visit, Dr. Talaat held a series of meetings with officials from Italian companies and institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation and attract further investment into Egypt’s ICT sector.