Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, met with the newly accredited Ambassador of Egypt to ASEAN, H.E. Yasser Hassan Farag Elshemy, at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta on Thursday. The meeting marked an important step in advancing dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and Egypt, as both sides exchanged views on ways to enhance their partnership across multiple sectors.
During the meeting, Dr. Kao and Ambassador Elshemy discussed potential avenues for deeper engagement between ASEAN and Egypt, focusing on trade, investment, cultural exchange, and technical cooperation. Egypt, which has served as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN since 2017, has consistently expressed interest in broadening its collaboration with the Southeast Asian bloc, particularly in areas such as trade facilitation, tourism, and capacity-building initiatives.
The engagement comes at a time when ASEAN continues to strengthen its external relations with partners across the Middle East and North Africa. Egypt, as a leading Arab and African nation, occupies a strategic position bridging the African and Asian continents, making it a valuable partner for ASEAN in promoting connectivity, maritime security, and multilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Elshemy, who presented his letter of credence to the Secretary-General earlier this year, underscored Egypt’s commitment to deepening ties with ASEAN member states. He highlighted Egypt’s interest in learning from ASEAN’s experience in regional integration and community-building, as the bloc prepares for the implementation of the ASEAN 2045 vision.
The discussions also touched upon potential collaboration in trade and economic sectors. Egypt has been pursuing economic modernization through its Vision 2030 reform program, which aligns with several ASEAN priorities including digital transformation, sustainable development, and infrastructure connectivity. Both sides recognized the untapped potential for increased bilateral trade and investment flows between Egypt and ASEAN member states.
ASEAN and Egypt have maintained diplomatic relations through various mechanisms, including Egypt’s participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and other ASEAN-led platforms. Egypt was granted Sectoral Dialogue Partner status in 2017, which has facilitated regular consultations and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on regional and global developments. Dr. Kao and Ambassador Elshemy discussed shared challenges including climate change, food security, and the importance of upholding a rules-based international order. Both reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law.
This latest engagement reflects ASEAN’s continued efforts to expand its network of dialogue partners and strengthen ties with key players in the Middle East and Africa. As ASEAN approaches its 60th anniversary in 2027, the bloc remains focused on fostering mutually beneficial relationships that contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Sources: [asean.org]
