Farouk offered congratulations to Australian Ambassador to Cairo Axel Wabenhorst, asserting that Egyptian-Australian relations are characterised by solidity and depth, based on mutual cooperation and respect. He noted that the simultaneous celebration of the National Day and the 75th anniversary reflects the depth of historical links and solid bonds between the two friendly nations.
Farouk extended greetings from the government and people of
Egypt to their Australian counterparts, noting that Australia was one of the
first countries to open an embassy in Cairo in 1950, its first diplomatic
mission in the Middle East.
Farouk highlighted positive developments in bilateral
cooperation, particularly on the economic front. He said trade between the two
nations had seen notable growth in recent years, reaching about $650 million in
2023, a figure he called a reflection of robustness and prosperity.
The minister referenced the April visit by Australian
Governor-General Sam Mostyn to Egypt, where she met with President Abdel Fattah
El-Sisi. Discussions covered the importance of enhancing economic, trade, and
investment cooperation. Farouk also praised Australian citizens of Egyptian
origin as human and cultural bridges between the two peoples.
Farouk urged Australian investors to increase their presence
in Egypt, citing opportunities in strategic sectors such as clean energy and
mining. He specifically invited Australian companies to invest in clean energy,
green hydrogen, agriculture, tourism, technology, and mining within the Suez
Canal Economic Zone, which he termed a strategic hub for global trade.
He stressed that cooperation in these areas is a vital
pillar, underscoring the importance of joint projects in cattle breeding and
fattening, and water resource management, an area where Australia has
significant expertise. Farouk also called for steps to facilitate Egyptian
agricultural exports to Australian markets.
Expressing Egypt's desire for strengthened bilateral
relations across all fields, Farouk said this would serve the common interests
of both nations and help promote peace, development, and prosperity.
To mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Agriculture Minister and the Australian Ambassador participated in a symbolic olive tree planting ceremony, an initiative meant to confirm the deep friendship and shared ambition for cooperation.