As Egypt and South Korea celebrate the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, the two nations are reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors, with a particular focus on sustainable development, rural empowerment, and waste management.
Ambassador of South Korea to Egypt, Kim Yonghyon, met with Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, Manal Awad, in a key discussion on January 13, 2025, aimed at exploring new opportunities for collaboration. The meeting underscored the ongoing joint efforts to enhance local governance, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
During the meeting, Ambassador Kim praised Minister Awad for her significant contributions to Egypt’s local governance, notably her leadership roles as the governor of Damietta and deputy governor of Giza. The ambassador extended his well wishes for her pioneering work as Egypt’s first female minister of local development, emphasizing the crucial role she plays in shaping the country’s future.
A key topic of discussion was the bilateral collaboration on waste resource management, particularly projects designed to tackle Egypt’s waste challenges while fostering a transition towards a circular economy. These initiatives, including the establishment of waste recovery facilities in rural areas and training programs for Egyptian officials, highlight the two countries’ commitment to environmental sustainability.
Ambassador Kim also introduced the Global Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) Training Programme, an extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Korea’s Ministry of Interior and Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development in 2022. The program, which promotes rural revitalization through community-driven projects, aims to share South Korea’s extensive experience in rural development.
In addition to these initiatives, Ambassador Kim outlined South Korea’s ongoing contributions to Egypt’s socio-economic development. These include Korea’s collaboration with UNFPA and UN Women to empower Egyptian women and efforts through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to provide vocational training for Egyptian youth. KOICA’s training programs in Cairo, Alexandria, and Damietta, in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP), aim to equip the next generation of Egyptians with critical skills for a modern, sustainable economy.
Another significant collaboration is the establishment of Beni Suef Technological University, a project that furthers the educational and technological development of Egypt’s youth.
In concluding the meeting, Ambassador Kim invited Minister Awad to visit South Korea, signaling an eagerness to continue and deepen the productive bilateral relationship. This marks a pivotal moment in the 30-year partnership between the two nations, with a shared vision for growth, sustainability, and empowerment.
