In an exclusive interview with Ahram Online, Shouket affirmed that the burgeoning relations between Egypt and Pakistan are also driven by both nations' deep commitment to regional stability and their eagerness to significantly enhance cooperation in several areas, including, among others, trade, commerce, investments, and tourism.
Ahram Online: In light of the recent visit of the Egyptian foreign minister to Islamabad, how would you describe the current political and diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and Egypt?
Aamir Shouket: The visit of Dr Badr Abdelatty to Islamabad on 29–30 November reaffirmed that Pakistan and Egypt share a historic relationship that has now matured into a strategic partnership grounded in confidence and mutual trust. Our engagement is sustained through regular high-level contacts, including the Prime Minister’s participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, his recent meeting with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in Qatar, and frequent telephone exchanges between our leaders.
Our foreign ministers also remain in close and continuous coordination on regional developments. Moreover, recent visits to Egypt by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and the Chief of Army Staff reflect the growing depth of our defence ties. Altogether, these engagements have brought our diplomatic partnership to an unprecedented level of strategic convergence.
AO: What shared principles guide Pakistan–Egypt relations?
AS: Our partnership rests on clear and consistent principles: respect for sovereignty, commitment to peace and stability, unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, and a strong belief in multilateral diplomacy. Both countries reject extremism and terrorism in all its forms, and support comprehensive approaches that combine security, development, and social resilience — an area where Egypt’s experience is widely acknowledged.
We are also firmly committed to a rules-based international order and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. These shared values anchor our cooperation across political, security, economic, and humanitarian domains.
AO: What mechanisms frame political consultation between Islamabad and Cairo?
AS: The political consultation architecture between our countries is robust. The Pakistan–Egypt Joint Ministerial Commission, co-chaired by both foreign ministers, is our principal institutional mechanism. We have agreed to reinvigorate it and convene its next session during the second quarter of next year.
During Dr Abdelatty’s visit, our delegations held extensive political consultations covering bilateral issues, regional developments — especially Gaza — and cooperation within the UN, OIC, and D-8, which Egypt currently chairs. Regular direct communication between our leaders and foreign ministers ensures rapid alignment on all matters of mutual concern.
AO: How closely do Pakistan and Egypt coordinate within multilateral forums?
AS: Our positions on major regional and global issues are identical. At the UN, OIC, and other multilateral platforms, we jointly advocate for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza, implementation of UN Security Council resolutions, unhindered humanitarian access, and an effective reconstruction framework.
Pakistan deeply values Egypt’s diplomatic and operational leadership in stabilizing the situation in Gaza. Our Prime Minister’s participation in the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit and his regular exchanges with President El-Sisi reflect our strong support for Egypt’s role. Beyond Gaza, we cooperate closely on counterterrorism, climate resilience, development finance, and South–South cooperation.
AO: How would you describe current economic cooperation, trade, and investment levels?
AS: Though historically modest, our economic engagement is gaining momentum. Dr Abdelatty held intensive discussions with chambers of commerce, business leaders, and companies operating in Egypt. Both sides agreed to revitalize the Joint Business Council and the Joint Chamber Council, and to expand cooperation under Egypt’s presidency of the D-8.
Egypt has encouraged Pakistani companies to invest in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, food processing, engineering goods, chemicals, medical equipment, software, and digital services. Pakistan, for its part, is facilitating Egyptian investment through the Special Investment Facilitation Council — a streamlined, one-window platform for foreign investors.
While trade currently stands at only a few hundred million dollars annually, both sides are determined to scale it up significantly.
AO: Where do you see the greatest untapped economic potential, including in relation to the Suez Canal Economic Zone?
AS: The potential is immense. Egypt’s strategic location and world-class connectivity, particularly through the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), offer Pakistan exceptional opportunities for value addition, re-export, and global supply-chain integration.
During the visit, both sides identified promising areas for deeper collaboration. We are exploring the strategic linkage of Pakistan’s Gwadar Port with the SCZone — including a potential direct shipping line between Ain Sokhna and Gwadar — and establishing value-added industries in textiles, sports goods, surgical instruments, chemicals, and processed foods. There is also considerable scope for cooperation in IT, digital services, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and maritime connectivity. These complementarities lay the groundwork for an accelerated, future-oriented partnership.
AO: What role does Pakistan envision for itself in Gaza reconstruction and political stabilization?
AS: Pakistan’s position is clear: an immediate and sustained ceasefire, full humanitarian access, and a political roadmap leading to an independent State of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
We commend Egypt’s indispensable leadership in mediation, humanitarian coordination, and preparations for the international conference on Gaza reconstruction. Pakistan is actively engaged in the Gaza Peace Plan and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance and technical support in health, education, civil works, and disaster response.
We look forward to working closely with Egypt, UN agencies, and international partners to ensure reconstruction efforts are effective and meet the needs of the Palestinian people.
AO: How can cultural and academic ties deepen mutual understanding?
AS: Cultural and academic cooperation is a vital pillar of our relationship. We welcome Egypt’s decision to double the number of Al-Azhar scholarships for Pakistani students, reflecting the depth of our educational ties.
University partnerships are being strengthened, joint research in archaeology and heritage preservation is expanding, and artistic exchanges are being enhanced. Youth and student programmes are widening opportunities for direct people-to-people engagement, further enriching the civilizational links between our nations.
AO: What steps are being taken to boost tourism and people-to-people contacts?
AS: Strengthening connectivity between our peoples is a key priority. Both sides have agreed to enhance visa facilitation for Pakistani business delegations and visitors, deepen cooperation between tourism authorities, and expand exchange programmes for students and scholars. Plans for cultural festivals and joint promotional activities are also underway. With increasing political, military, economic, and cultural exchanges, we expect a significant rise in tourism and mutual engagement.
Short link: