Australian Ambassador to Egypt Axel Wabenhorst hosted a lavish reception at his residence in Zamalek in honour of Mostyn.
The visit highlights the strong cultural, economic, and humanitarian ties between the two countries.
Minister of Local Development Manal Awad, world-renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, and former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Anani, who is also Egypt's candidate for the position of UNESCO director-general in 2025, along with a galaxy of Egyptian ambassadors, diplomats, and businessmen, attended the celebration.
Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn with Minister of Local Development Manal Awad and members of the Australian embassy.
During her speech, Mostyn praised the deep-rooted relationship between her country and Egypt, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
She also expressed her gratitude on behalf of the Australian people for Egypt's significant and responsible role in addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Moreover, Mostyn emphasized how the cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries have grown over the years.
She highlighted the contributions of the Egyptian diaspora in Australia, which comprises about 60,000 individuals.
Egyptian community members actively participate in Australian society while cherishing their Egyptian heritage and cultural identity, she said.
Australia's Governor-General Sam Mostyn delivers her speech at the Australian ambassador's residence in Zamalek.
Mostyn also underscored the thriving economic ties between the two nations, with bilateral trade reaching a notable $2 billion.
She expressed her delight that her first visit to Egypt as Australia’s 28th governor-general coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1950.
She said the Australian embassy in Cairo was the first of its kind in the Arab world.
Additionally, Mostyn reflected on the iconic image of the Australian soldiers in front of the Pyramids during their 1915 campaign in Egypt.
She described this moment, now over 100 years old, as a reminder of the enduring bond between the two peoples.
She further acknowledged Australia’s longstanding interest in Egypt, which dates back to 1888, particularly with the peak of Egyptology and numerous archaeological expeditions.
This fascination with Egypt’s ancient civilization continues today, evidenced by the substantial public interest in exhibitions featuring ancient Egyptian treasures across major Australian cities, she expressed.
Sam Mostyn, Australia's Governor-General, with Australian Ambassador Axel Wabenhorst, greets her guests.
“This anniversary serves as a testament to the multifaceted and robust relationship between Australia and Egypt, which is not limited to political and economic dimensions, but also extends to cultural and popular ties that contribute to strengthening mutual cooperation between the two countries,” Mostyn concluded.
Meanwhile, Minister Awad lauded the longstanding relationship between Egypt and Australia during her speech.
She highlighted that, over the years, many Egyptians have travelled to Australia to study, bridging cultural differences, and later returned to Egypt to apply their knowledge and contribute to the country’s development.
"As the first former female governor of Damietta and the first female minister of local development, I deeply appreciate your role in sustainable development and encourage further cooperation between our two countries," Awad said, expressing her appreciation to Mostyn.
"In conclusion, I recommend strengthening our deep relations, which go beyond just years of cooperation," the minister added.
Sam Mostyn, Australia's Governor-General, with Australian Ambassador Axel Wabenhorst, greets her guests.
Sam Mostyn is an Australian businesswoman and advocate who has served as the governor-general of Australia since July 2024.
Australia's governor-general is the federal representative of its monarch, currently Charles III, and holds many constitutional and ceremonial roles in the Australian political system, which gives them independent agency.
They also have a significant community role through recognizing meritorious individuals and groups and representing the nation as a whole.
However, they are generally bound by convention to act on the advice of the prime minister and the Federal Executive Council.
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