FM Ishaq Dar affirmed that the two countries’ leadership is committed to strengthening fraternal relations and transforming them into a solid partnership. The close cooperation between the two countries in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and Pakistan’s non-permanent membership in the Security Council, will contribute to finding peaceful solutions to issues affecting the Islamic world and facing global challenges.
He expressed Pakistan’s support for the Egyptian plan to reconstruct the Gaza Strip and its readiness to play its part in this regard.
Ishaq Dar assured his country’s strong opposition to any proposal that seeks to displace the Palestinian people from their homeland, considering this a flagrant violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the principles of justice and fairness.
The Pakistani foreign minister expressed his country’s great appreciation for Egypt’s role in mediating the ceasefire agreement and its ongoing efforts to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Ahram Online: Egyptian-Pakistani relations are strong, historical, and distinguished. Can you shed light on these relations and ways to enhance future cooperation?
Mohammad Ishaq Dar: Pakistan and Egypt's relations are built on a solid foundation laid by the people of the two countries on their shared bonds of common faith, cultural affinities, and aspirations. Both countries are cradles of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley and Nile River. The Egyptian intelligentsia strongly inspired the founding fathers of Pakistan. Over the years, the bilateral visits between the two countries have solidified these brotherly relations.
The current leadership of Pakistan and Egypt is committed to perpetuating this traditional warmth and transforming the relationship into an enduring partnership. Our future lies in further strengthening this valuable relationship and joining hands for the betterment of both countries. Therefore, the two sides have been working on a comprehensive bilateral agenda to promote political, trade and investment, defense, and energy cooperation and deepen the people-to-people linkages through education and cultural exchanges.
AO: Egypt and Pakistan share common visions in international organizations and forums when confronting regional and global issues. Can you highlight this, especially in light of Pakistani non-permanent membership in the Security Council for 2025-2026?
MD: Pakistan and Egypt enjoy close cooperation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the OIC, and we remain united in advancing the interests of the Muslim world.
As Pakistan has begun its eighth term on the UN Security Council (2025-2026), we are committed to playing a constructive and bridge-building role in addressing key global challenges, from resolving conflicts to promoting peace and security per the UN Charter. We will continue opposing unlawful uses of force, combating terrorism in all its forms, and advocating for effective peacekeeping and peace-building efforts.
Drawing from our experience as a member of the Security Council, Pakistan will work to strengthen the voice of elected members, ensuring a more representative, transparent, and accountable Security Council. Together with Egypt and other OIC countries, we will pursue just and peaceful resolutions to issues affecting the Muslim world and beyond.
AO: The Middle East is witnessing instability and Israeli aggression in Gaza and Lebanon. What is Pakistan’s vision in this regard? What about coordination with Egypt in the field of humanitarian aid?
MD: Pakistan has strongly condemned brutal Israeli aggression in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and all other Arab territories. The scenes on the ground are heart-wrenching. Israel’s indiscriminate use of force has caused unprecedented loss of lives and property and displacement of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians. Undoubtedly, Israel’s expansionist designs have destabilized the entire region. Pakistan is against the displacement of Palestinians from their lands. We support the Arab League and Egypt’s plan for Gaza reconstruction.
When it comes to Palestine, Pakistan firmly believes that the Palestinian people have an inalienable right to establish an independent and sovereign State based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital. We have opposed any proposal that seeks to displace or relocate the Palestinian people from their ancestral homeland. Such proposals and acts constitute a blatant violation of international law, relevant United Nations resolutions, and the principles of justice and fairness.
Pakistan has also called for the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement to ensure much-needed humanitarian assistance reaches the people of Gaza. We highly appreciate Egypt’s role in mediating the ceasefire deal and continuous efforts to ensure the supply of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. We have also resumed our humanitarian aid supply to Gaza through Egypt. We are ready to play our role in Gaza reconstruction as well.
AO: How do you assess the current cooperation between our two countries regarding economy and trade?
MD: As you are aware, in modern-day diplomacy, economic cooperation, trade, and investment are of critical importance. Strengthening economic and commercial ties has been the primary focus of the two brotherly countries for the very multi-faceted foundation of the bilateral relations. Pakistan and Egypt are significantly large countries in population and size of their economies. The bilateral trade volume between the two countries was $294 million in fiscal year 2023-24. This is a fraction of what could be achieved through enhanced cooperation in trade and investment. Therefore, the two sides are overcoming the possible hurdles through joint mechanisms to reach their full potential.
The two countries’ trade ministries will soon hold a second round of Joint Working Group (JWG) in Egypt. Similarly, we have been striving to revitalize the Pakistan-Egypt Joint Business Council (JBC). The two sides are working to hold the 4th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) meeting to consolidate the economic cooperation further.
To bolster trade ties, Egyptian and Pakistani companies regularly participate in trade fairs and exhibitions to diversify the products and businesses of the two countries. In January 2024, we successfully held the 4th Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition in Egypt, in which more than 110 companies in Pakistan's mainstream industrial and trade sectors participated.
Similarly, on the investment side, Pakistan's Board of Investment (BOI) and Egypt's General Authority for Free Zones and Investments (GAFI) are cooperating to boost bilateral investments. Many Egyptian companies and startups have been reaping the benefits of a business-friendly environment in Pakistan by investing in the health, tech, telecom, and construction sectors. El Sewedy, Ora Developers, TAQA Arabia group, Paymob, and Halan have invested in Pakistan. We also invite our Egyptian brothers to take advantage of the incentives available to friendly countries through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
AO: Pakistan participated effectively in the Development Summit (D8). How does Pakistan see the role of this organization and coordination with Egypt within the framework of south cooperation?
MD: Pakistan views the Developing 8 (D8) Summit as a crucial platform for fostering economic cooperation, trade, and development among member states, including Egypt. It supports initiatives like the D8 Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to boost intra-group trade and enhance collaboration in key sectors such as technology, industrialization, agriculture, and energy. Pakistan also emphasizes food security, energy cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges to strengthen ties within the D8 framework.
In coordination with Egypt, Pakistan seeks to expand bilateral trade, investment, and industrial partnerships, particularly in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and agriculture. Both nations aim to explore joint infrastructure projects and advocate for shared interests in South-South cooperation. By assuming the office of Secretary-General D8 in 2026, Pakistan remains committed to deeper regional integration through economic initiatives, capacity-building programs, and financial cooperation, ensuring sustainable development and mutual prosperity for all D8 members.
AO: Egypt is witnessing progress in development, infrastructure, and smart cities. What are the aspects of cooperation between the two countries in these aspects?
MD: Pakistan and Egypt have massive potential for collaboration in infrastructure development, smart cities, and digital transformation. With Egypt's significant progress in these areas, both countries can explore joint ventures in mega infrastructure projects, urban planning, and housing schemes. Egyptian expertise in smart city planning and sustainable urban development can support Pakistan's modernization efforts, especially in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
In digital transformation, Pakistan can benefit from Egypt's advancements in AI-driven urban planning, smart grids, and IT-based city management. Joint cyber security, fintech, and e-governance initiatives can enhance digital connectivity in both countries. Egypt's experience in renewable energy projects like Benban Solar Park can help Pakistan develop solar and wind power solutions to address energy shortages.
Similarly, Egypt's expertise in railway systems, metro networks, and port development offers valuable insights into Pakistan's infrastructure projects, including Gwadar Port. Furthermore, Egypt's success in affordable housing projects like SakanMisr can serve as a model for Pakistan's housing programmes, fostering investment in low-cost housing and modern construction technologies. Through these partnerships, both nations can drive economic growth and sustainable development.
AO: Al-Azhar Al-Sharif plays a historical and comprehensive cooperation role in bilateral relations, especially in confronting religious extremism and training Imams. How do you view that?
MD: Al-Azhar Al-Sharif is undoubtedly a well-renowned Islamic institution and a guiding light for the Muslim Ummah. First, I commend Al-Azhar for its unwavering commitment to upholding Islam's true values and promoting modern Islamic teachings. Students from Pakistan are acquiring progressive education at Al-Azhar University.
There is tremendous potential for collaboration between Pakistan and Al-Azhar scholarships and exchange programmes. This would ensure that our religious leaders are well-equipped to address contemporary challenges while remaining rooted in authentic Islamic teachings.
AO: Pakistan is one of the countries most affected by climate change and global warming. Given Egypt's continuous efforts in this regard, what are Pakistan's policies regarding this issue and its coordination efforts with Egypt?
MD: Pakistan and Egypt share many common interests and perspectives on climate change and constructively work together at international forums with other like-minded developing countries. Our two countries also face similar vulnerabilities and challenges posed by climate change.
You would recall that the landmark decision to establish the Loss and Damage Fund was taken at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh under the Egyptian presidency. Pakistan led the G-77 and China in the negotiations during the conference.
Moreover, both countries maintain that the developed countries must fulfil their climate finance commitments to realize the global climate goals based on the established principles of "Equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities."
AO: Crisis of Jammu and Kashmir territory is still one of the unresolved issues despite the issuance of many international resolutions. What is your country’s vision for solving this crisis?
MD: Pakistan has consistently maintained that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be granted their inalienable right to self-determination as enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
Against this backdrop, we will continue to extend our full moral, diplomatic, and political support to the Kashmiri people’s struggle to achieve this democratic right. We will also continue to urge the international community to exercise its influence for improving the human rights situation in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
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