The event was attended by Malaysian Ambassador Dato’ Mohd Tarid Sofian and Egyptian Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk, who represented Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
Held under the theme “Caring for the People,” the celebration reflected the Malaysian government’s focus on unity, inclusiveness, and the well-being of its citizens.
The event also brought together representatives from Malaysia’s trade office in Cairo, MATRADE, along with diplomatic and consular staff from several countries.
In his remarks, Minister Farouk praised the longstanding ties between Egypt and Malaysia, expressing pride in the growing partnership across various sectors.
He affirmed Egypt’s commitment, under President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, to enhancing cooperation with Malaysia in economic, trade, and investment fields to serve both nations’ common interests.
Farouk described the bilateral relationship as a model of cooperation based on mutual respect and understanding, emphasizing Egypt’s desire for greater coordination with Malaysia in regional and international forums to promote stability and development in the Arab and Islamic worlds.
For his part, Ambassador Tarid Sofian noted that Malaysia and Egypt established diplomatic relations 66 years ago.
He said that under the leadership of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim and President El-Sisi, the two countries aim to elevate their partnership to a strategic level encompassing trade, investment, education, energy, culture, and defence, while expanding into new areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
The ambassador highlighted that the celebration reflects the enduring friendship between Malaysia and Egypt and showcases Malaysia’s unity in diversity, ethnic, cultural, and religious, as a cornerstone of its nationhood since independence.
He noted that Malaysia ranks among the three fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, recording 5.1 percent growth in 2024, and rising 11 places to 23rd in the Global Competitiveness Index, underscoring its appeal as a dynamic investment destination.
He also underlined that Malaysia maintains its largest representation in Africa through its offices in Cairo, including the Military Attaché and the MATRADE Commercial Office.
Bilateral trade reached nearly $1 billion in 2024, a 30 percent increase from 2023, with Malaysia’s key exports including palm oil, processed foods, chemicals, and rubber products.
Cooperation is also expanding in the automotive sector, while PETRONAS remains the largest Malaysian investor in Egypt’s oil and gas industry.
In the field of education, more than 6,000 Malaysian students are studying in Egypt, while nearly 3,000 Egyptian students are enrolled in higher education institutions in Malaysia. strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The ambassador added that both nations work closely in international organizations, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in support of the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution.
He praised Egypt’s mediation and humanitarian efforts in Rafah and noted Malaysia’s contribution of over 110 tons of aid worth $2.3 million, including medical treatment for 127 injured Palestinians.
Tarid Sofian also highlighted that Malaysia will assume the 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, representing a region of over 660 million people and a market projected to reach $4.5 trillion by 2030.
Under the theme “Inclusiveness and Sustainability,” Malaysia aims to promote peace, economic resilience, and sustainable development.
He concluded by inviting visitors to Malaysia for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, featuring mascots "Wira and Manja — the Malayan Sun Bears" and celebrating the country’s rich cultural diversity.
The reception featured traditional Malaysian dishes such as Nasi Lemak, Pulut Kuning, Satay, Nona Manis, Seri Muka, and Karipap, showcasing Malaysia’s multicultural society, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and the indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak
Traditional attire such as Songket, Baju Melayu, Cheongsam, and Sari were also displayed, representing the country’s diverse ethnic heritage.
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