Anne Dorte Rigsby, the outgoing Danish Ambassador to Egypt, has completed her diplomatic mission, leaving behind a significant legacy of enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding between Denmark and Egypt.
Appointed in May 2023, Ambassador Rigsby played a key role in advancing bilateral relations during a period of notable growth and collaboration between the two nations.
Strategic Partnership and Milestones in Bilateral Cooperation
A major highlight of Ambassador Rigsby’s tenure was the elevation of Denmark-Egypt relations to the level of a “Strategic Partnership,” formalized during the historic visit of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Denmark in December. This strategic partnership, solidified through a series of memoranda of understanding in critical areas such as energy, climate change, migration, culture, and human rights, provides a comprehensive framework for future cooperation. It also facilitated the establishment of a joint business council aimed at enhancing economic relations and fostering investment opportunities.
Advancing Cultural and Educational Exchange
Throughout her tenure, Ambassador Rigsby was actively engaged in initiatives that fostered cultural and educational exchange between Denmark and Egypt. Notably, she, alongside Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, inaugurated the Denmark Studies and Culture Studio at Beit Yakan, a center for creativity and innovation located in Cairo’s historic Darb Al-Ahmar district. Additionally, Ambassador Rigsby oversaw the creation of the Danish Culinary Institute in Egypt, designed to promote cultural exchange and support professional development in the culinary arts.
Farewell and Future Endeavors
During a farewell event attended by Egyptian diplomats, business leaders, and cultural figures, Ambassador Rigsby expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Denmark’s representative in Egypt. “It has been a privilege to serve as Ambassador during this period of dynamic growth and cooperation. I am confident that the foundation we have laid will continue to strengthen the long-term partnership between our two countries,” she remarked.
Ambassador Rigsby will return to Denmark to assume the position of Chief of Protocol at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she will continue her work in fostering diplomatic relations with Egypt. The Danish Embassy in Egypt will continue to serve Danish citizens and build upon the foundation of bilateral cooperation under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Frey Jackson.
