Australia embassy celebrates the national day in Cairo

Ahram Online , Saturday 23 Nov 2024

The Australian embassy in Cairo hosted a celebration to mark Australia National Day, where the Australian ambassador emphasized the enduring friendship and growing partnerships between Australia and Egypt.

 Australia embassy
Axel Wabenhorst, the Australian Ambassador to Egypt celebrates his country's national day (photo credit of Australia embassy)

 

The event brought together Egyptian officials, diplomats, business leaders, and Australian expatriates to celebrate Egypt and Australia's shared history and partnership.

The evening highlighted Australian culture through music and authentic cuisine, offering guests a taste of the nation's identity.

Australian Ambassador to Egypt, Axel Wabenhorst, reflected on the significance of Australia Day as a time to honour the nation's history and the vital contributions of First Nations Peoples to its heritage.

He emphasised the strong, seven-decade relationship between Australia and Egypt, which spans tourism, trade, culture, and education. "In 2024, three Egyptology exhibitions were held in Australia," he noted, "including Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs, which drew 500,000 visitors in six months—reflecting Australians' growing interest in Egyptian history." He also highlighted trade, valued at $635 million in 2023, and Australia's role in supporting Egypt's food security, with over half of Egypt's fava beans sourced from Australia.

Ambassador Wabenhorst stressed the shared commitment of both nations to regional stability, climate action, and cultural exchange. "Egypt's Australian community is vibrant, and Egyptians actively contribute to Australian society. For example, two Australian Members of Parliament, including one minister, were born in Egypt."


Australian ambassador Axel Wabenhorst and his wife welcoming their guests.

 

The Ambassador reaffirmed the embassy's dedication to strengthening ties, noting opportunities in agriculture, water management, and mining. "As dry countries, Australia and Egypt can benefit from collaboration in dry-land farming and water management. An Australian company is piloting a water-flow project in irrigation channels, and Australian mining companies, which have invested AU$ 40 billion in Africa, could explore Egypt's abundant mineral resources."

The celebration underscored the deep connection between the two nations and their shared vision for the future.

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