Olivia Toderean highlighted that Egypt and Romania share strong economic and commercial ties and active collaboration in international organisations, particularly the United Nations and its specialised agencies.

Ahram Online: Egypt and Romania enjoy excellent cooperation. Romania is a key player in Eastern Europe, and the two countries will soon mark the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. How do you view the visit of Romania's Foreign Minister to Cairo, and what were its key outcomes?

Olivia​ Toderean: With the 120th anniversary of our diplomatic ties approaching, this visit provided an opportunity to reflect on our shared history and explore ways to strengthen our relations.

For example, a century ago, under Ottoman influence, Romanian principalities used a golden coin named "Misir," named after Egypt. The mountain resort town of Sinaia in Romania also owes its name to the Sinai Peninsula after a Romanian prince visited St. Catherine's Monastery and founded a new one. These historical connections continue today, with Romanian tourism to Egypt reaching new heights.

Minister Odobescu's visit focused on enhancing future cooperation in various sectors, from foreign policy and security to trade, culture, agriculture, and tourism. During her meetings with Minister Badr Abdelatty, they discussed bilateral priorities and regional challenges. The two countries are affected by regional crises: Egypt faces tensions along its borders, especially in Gaza, while the ongoing war in Ukraine impacts Romania. Both ministers stressed the importance of peace and international law in resolving these conflicts.

Minister Odobescu also met with Dr. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health, and attended the Global Congress on Health and Population in Cairo, which President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi opened. She also met Dr. Ahmed Hanno, Minister of Culture, to discuss ways to enhance cultural, educational, and scientific collaboration.

In this context, Minister Odobescu expressed Romania's interest in being the Guest of Honour at the Cairo International Book Fair in 2026, an excellent way to mark the 120th anniversary and engage the Egyptian and Romanian public. She also emphasised Romania's commitment to student exchanges, joint research projects, and promoting Romanian government scholarships.

Romania's film industry was also recognised at the 45th Cairo International Film Festival, with The New Year That Never Came winning the prestigious Golden Pyramid Award. This recognition highlights the strength of Romanian cinema and underscores the need for deeper cultural ties. I thank Al Ahram for the opportunity to speak a bit about this award in a separate statement.

The two foreign ministers also launched a joint training course on post-conflict reconstruction in the Sahel region, a project reflecting Romania's commitment to promoting stability and development in Africa. This initiative, organised with the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and RoAid, aligns with Romania's new strategy for African cooperation.

On a different note, the Romanian Embassy in Cairo has been busy with the presidential election process, having recently organised the first round of voting for Romanian citizens in Egypt, ensuring their right to participate in democracy.

AO: Can you explain Romania and Egypt's political and diplomatic relations within international organisations? Romania has been an essential supporter of Egypt within the EU. What are the latest developments?

Toderean: Romania and Egypt work closely within various international organisations to promote shared interests, particularly the United Nations, where both countries advocate for multilateralism and the rules-based international order. We work together to foster stability, peace, and security in the Middle East, the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, and Africa. We regularly coordinate with our permanent UN and EU representatives to advance mutual support and initiatives.

As an EU member state, Romania plays a crucial role in supporting Egypt's engagement with the European Union, reflected in continuous collaboration in Cairo, Brussels, and Bucharest. Romania is also committed to facilitating EU financial assistance to Egypt, including the €7.4 billion package, which will help achieve the goals outlined in the EU-Egypt Strategic Partnership.

Romania supports EU-Egypt cooperation in political dialogue, sustainable development, green transition, energy, heritage protection, and human development, including health and education.

AO: The 4th session of the Joint Committee for Economic, Technical, and Scientific Cooperation between Romania and Egypt was held last month. What were its key outcomes?

Toderean: The 4th Joint Committee, held in Bucharest from 7 to 9 October 2024, marked the first such meeting since 2019. Co-chaired by Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, and Romania's Minister of Economy, Stefan Radu Oprea, the committee focused on advancing bilateral trade, agriculture, IT, and culture projects. Several memoranda of understanding were signed in areas such as investment, agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises, and gas infrastructure.

A business forum held on the sidelines brought together over 100 companies from both countries to explore new trade and investment opportunities. Trade between our two countries reached a peak of nearly $1.3 billion in 2023, and we are focused on reversing recent declines. To enhance economic cooperation, we plan to diversify trade, promote joint ventures, and explore new energy partnerships, particularly in renewable energy and electric transportation.

AO: The region is facing escalating conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon. How does Romania view these crises, and how is it cooperating with Egypt in response?

Toderean: Romania is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon and their humanitarian consequences. As a country that has hosted refugees from the war in Ukraine, Romania understands the challenges Egypt faces. Romania has consistently called for de-escalation, a ceasefire, and the resumption of peace talks.

In response to the humanitarian crises in Gaza, Romania has provided over 230 tons of aid, transferred with EU and Egyptian support through Rafah. We have also provided medical supplies to Jordan's field hospital in Gaza and recently evacuated 14 children and their families from Gaza.

We deeply appreciate Egypt's support in evacuating Romanian citizens from Gaza and commend Egypt's leadership in promoting regional peace and stability, whether in Gaza, Lebanon, or the Red Sea.