Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that Egypt is seeking to link its national seaports with Slovenia's Port of Koper, a major Adriatic gateway. The proposed integration would include Egypt's Ain Sokhna and Damietta ports, in addition to the existing logistics cooperation between the Port of Alexandria and the Port of Koper. This move aims to facilitate Egyptian exports to the European Union and support Slovenia's access to African markets.
The talks between Madbouly and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar took place at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty and Egypt's Ambassador to Slovenia, Nahla El Zawahry. The Slovenian delegation included Ambassador to Egypt Sašo Podlesnik and other officials. The discussions coincided with an economic event in Cairo featuring a Slovenian trade delegation of 25 companies.
Madbouly stated Egypt's intention to formalise a labour migration agreement to deploy Egyptian workers in sectors prioritised by Slovenia. This arrangement would mirror existing agreements Cairo has established with other European nations. The Egyptian Prime Minister also outlined the country's energy infrastructure plans, including an electricity interconnection project with Greece and the linking of Cypriot gas fields to Egyptian facilities.
President Pirc Musar identified the automotive industry as a primary area for expansion, citing Slovenia's manufacturing expertise. Madbouly affirmed that localising electric vehicle production is a top investment priority for Egypt, alongside telecommunications, information technology, and pharmaceuticals. The two leaders also discussed opportunities for cooperation in tourism and the sciences.
Pirc Musar pointed to existing ties between Cairo University and the University of Ljubljana, and Madbouly proposed sending top Egyptian students to Slovenian institutions, including the Jožef Stefan Institute. The two countries have a history of cooperation, with Egypt being the first Arab and African country to recognise Slovenia following its independence in 1991.
Madbouly highlighted bilateral investments, citing the Iskraemeco factory, owned by Egypt's Elsewedy Electric, as a prominent operator in Slovenia's energy sector. He also commended Slovenia's support for international humanitarian law regarding the Palestinian territories, specifically the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
The meeting between Madbouly and Pirc Musar reflects the growing economic ties between Egypt and Slovenia. The two countries are exploring new areas of cooperation, including seaport integration and labour migration, to strengthen their bilateral relations.
Key points
- Egypt seeks to integrate its seaports with Slovenia's Port of Koper to facilitate exports to the EU.
- Egypt and Slovenia are discussing a labour migration agreement to meet Slovenian labour needs.
- The two countries are exploring cooperation in the automotive industry, tourism, and sciences.
