Egyptian FM Abdelatty, Pakistan Leadership Push for Stronger Strategic Partnership in Meeting with COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir

ISLAMABAD: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Sunday concluded a day of intensive diplomatic engagements in Pakistan, holding meetings with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, President Asif Ali Zardari and Deputy Prime Minister–Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across defence, security, trade, investment, education, cultural exchanges and regional stability.

Abdelatty arrived in Islamabad late Saturday for a two-day official visit, marking a renewed push to elevate Pakistan-Egypt ties at a time when both countries seek stronger economic and security partnerships. His meetings underscored what officials described as “extensive and constructive” consultations aimed at building a structured framework for long-term collaboration.

Focus on Defence and Security Cooperation During GHQ Meeting

At the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the Egyptian foreign minister met COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir to discuss defence and security cooperation. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO), the two sides reviewed ongoing military exchanges, training collaborations and joint efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

The FO noted that both sides “reaffirmed the importance of continued high-level engagement between the armed forces of the two countries,” highlighting a mutual desire to deepen operational cooperation. The meeting also touched on regional security concerns, although no specifics were publicly disclosed.

Abdelatty Meets President Zardari: Call for Stronger Economic and People-to-People Ties

Earlier in the day, the Egyptian foreign minister called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-i-Sadr. A statement from the Presidency said Pakistan places “high value” on its longstanding relationship with Egypt, rooted in “shared faith and mutual respect.”

President Zardari noted that 2025 marks 77 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations and expressed hope for reinvigorated cooperation in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. He encouraged Cairo to explore business opportunities in Pakistan’s expanding sectors, including energy, logistics, agriculture, mining, construction and information technology.

The president also conveyed warm greetings for Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. In response, Abdelatty delivered a message from President Sisi and reiterated Egypt’s “keen interest” in expanding its partnership with Pakistan across multiple fields. Both sides exchanged views on major regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to work jointly for peace and stability.

Pakistan to Share List of 250 Businesses to Boost Trade, Says Dar

In a detailed joint press conference with FM Abdelatty, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced a major new initiative aimed at revitalising bilateral trade and private-sector engagement. Dar said Pakistan will prepare and share with Egypt a “comprehensive list of 250 Pakistani business houses” representing key sectors of the economy.

The initiative, he said, is intended to significantly upscale business-to-business (B2B) activity, which remains “not commensurate with the depth and affection” between the two countries. Current bilateral trade stands at around $300 million — a figure both sides consider far below potential.

The list will be initially compiled by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) in collaboration with other chambers. After due diligence by Egyptian authorities, the selected companies will form part of a bilateral “white list” of verified, priority businesses to facilitate easier commercial engagement.

Dar said the move will also address frequent complaints regarding delays in obtaining business visas. Priority processing will apply to the identified companies to improve the ease of doing business between the two countries.

Pakistan plans to expand the list to 500 businesses within three months of finalising the first batch. Egypt will conduct its own review to confirm their inclusion in the expanded white list.

Plans for a Pakistan–Egypt Business Council and Forum

To institutionalise private-sector cooperation, Dar announced the establishment of a Pakistan–Egypt Business Council. The council will aim to promote mutually beneficial economic partnerships and sustained B2B connectivity.

In addition, a Pakistan–Egypt Business Forum will also be established, co-chaired by the foreign ministers of both countries. Its first meeting is scheduled for Cairo in the second quarter of 2026 and will serve as a platform to enhance trade, investment and sector-specific cooperation.

Dar acknowledged a long-standing gap in institutional engagement, noting that the Pakistan-Egypt Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) has not convened since 2010. Bilateral political consultations have also not been held in over a decade.

To rectify this, the two countries agreed to hold political consultations in early 2026. Preparatory work for reviving the JMC will be led by Egypt’s assistant foreign minister and Pakistan’s foreign secretary, with the meeting expected in the second quarter of 2026.

“The visit reaffirms the strength of Pakistan-Egypt relations and our shared commitment to further enhance cooperation across political, economic, defence, cultural and people-to-people domains,” Dar said.

Regional Issues: Gaza, Kashmir, and Counterterrorism Cooperation

The two ministers also discussed major regional developments with a particular focus on the situation in Gaza. Dar praised Egypt’s “vital role” in humanitarian support, mediation efforts and diplomatic engagement to secure ceasefires and protect the rights of the Palestinian people.

Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Egypt’s efforts, while the two sides also exchanged views on Indian-occupied Kashmir, the situation in Afghanistan and collaboration at multilateral forums.

Abdelatty conveyed Egypt’s condolences over recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Peshawar, expressing full solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. He said the two countries had agreed to intensify coordination to counter cross-border terrorism and extremism.

He highlighted Egypt’s “holistic” approach to countering terrorism, which includes not only security measures but also socio-economic solutions and ideological intervention through institutions such as Al-Azhar al-Sharif, Dar Al-Ifta and the Ministry of Waqf.

Egypt Invites Pakistan to Gaza Reconstruction Conference

Calling the regional situation “pivotal”, Abdelatty recalled that Egypt, Pakistan and other partners “mediated and voted” on the Gaza ceasefire agreement signed in Sharm El-Sheikh. He said Cairo will continue its efforts based on international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

He reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.

Abdelatty said Egypt and Pakistan have agreed to intensify coordination on the Palestinian cause and invited Islamabad to an upcoming international conference on the reconstruction of Gaza.

Education Cooperation: Egypt Doubles Al-Azhar Scholarships

Dar announced that Egypt will double the number of scholarships offered to Pakistani students seeking to study at Al-Azhar University. He said the institution, known for its moderate religious teachings, also offers programmes that help counter extremist ideologies.

The deputy premier noted that he had met Abdelatty at least six times this year during international forums, reflecting the growing pace of engagement between the two countries.

Egypt FM: ‘Sky’s the Limit for Our Cooperation’

Earlier in the day, speaking to journalists before his meeting with Dar, FM Abdelatty described Pakistan as his “second home”. He emphasized that both nations face “common challenges” on the economic, political and security fronts, strengthening the case for deeper collaboration.

“Sky’s the limit for our cooperation,” Abdelatty said, adding that President Sisi had instructed him to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic level.

He expressed Egypt’s readiness to reinvigorate its institutional mechanisms, including the long-dormant JMC, and to agree on a comprehensive roadmap covering political, economic, investment, trade, security, religious and cultural cooperation.

Dar echoed the sentiment, saying Pakistan views its relations with Egypt “in very high regard” and considers the visit an important opportunity to advance shared objectives.

Strengthening a Long History of Brotherhood

The Egyptian minister said the deep brotherhood between Pakistan and Egypt is “known all over the world,” highlighting that both sides hold a responsibility to raise diplomatic, economic, trade, business, security and defence ties to a much higher level.

Earlier, FM Abdelatty was welcomed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Deputy PM Dar, who received him upon arrival, signalling the significance Pakistan attaches to the visit.

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