Ahram Online: Can you provide an overview of the current diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Egypt? What are the key areas of cooperation?
Ambassador Toscano-Amores: Bilateral relations have steady and balanced health, with strong political cooperation and complementation. Both countries share similar approaches to international law and promote democratic and fair international relations.
At the United Nations, we are complementary in supporting initiatives in different fields and candidatures.
There is always space to improve our friendship, and we are committed to enhance and deepen bilateral ties.
We are about to sign a memorandum of understanding between the diplomatic institutes to enhance the knowledge and better understanding of the particular realities of both countries and regions.
We have many things in common, and those are platforms on which to set and launch a better relationship between the two countries.

AO: How do you assess the economic relationship between Ecuador and Egypt? What are some potential sectors for investment and collaboration? And what is your advice for investors?
Ambassador Toscano-Amores: This is a space to improve. Our annual trade balance has increased to over $200 million in the last few years.
Egypt has the biggest part of the pie, especially in fertilizers and medicines.
Trade has also developed, but we have to, and we do now, look forward to increasing trade to benefit the people in both countries.
Ecuador is an excellent and reliable business partner. Its clear legal framework offers many opportunities for investment and cooperation in various fields, especially infrastructure, renewable energy, and mining.
An Ecuadorian firm already operates in the Egyptian Red Sea, exploiting gas and oil and supplying pipes and technology. We look forward to adding more companies to this and other fields from both sides.
AO: Ecuador is known for its cultural heritage. What initiatives are in place to promote tourism between Ecuador and Egypt?
Ambassador Toscano-Amores: Tourism is a sector in which we can cooperate. Recently, my embassy organized an event inviting travel agencies and tourism agents to present Ecuador as a bucket-list destination for Egyptians who love adventure and cultural and landscape diversity, which Ecuador proudly offers.
Ecuadorians have a traditional fascination with Egyptian history, and the number of visitors is increasing.
We should continue to promote our countries through events and travel agent visits to find ways to facilitate tourism.
AO: Are there any planned events or programmes to enhance cultural exchange and tourism between the two countries?
Ambassador Toscano-Amores: Culture is a key area of soft power. We are organizing events with Ecuadorian musicians and hope to bring more artists to introduce to the educated public in Cairo and other cities.
The main challenge in this field is the financial shortage the two countries face. I hope to explore and find new ways to enhance this area soon.
I have also been invited to deliver master's conferences at universities in Egyptian cities. We look forward to continuing this path, which offers a great opportunity for better mutual understanding.
AO: What opportunities exist for academic institutions in both countries to collaborate on research projects?
Ambassador Toscano-Amores: We used to have different cooperation programmes on research, especially in agro-industry and energy.
After the pandemic, the critical economic situation worldwide encouraged the continuation of these collaborations.
Anyway, we continue to make additional efforts to cooperate better.

AO: Can you share details about any upcoming official visits from both countries and their goals?
Ambassador Toscano-Amores: The second meeting of the bilateral Political Dialogue will be held in Cairo in March 2025. We hope to launch various initiatives to deepen our relationship on that occasion.
AO: What events has the Ecuadorian embassy planned in the near future to strengthen ties with the local community?
Ambassador Toscano-Amores: Besides commemorating the national day, we plan to bring artists and meet with economic agents to enhance our relationship, especially in culture, tourism, and commerce.
We will also exchange views on regional developments in light of the current situation in the region.
AO: What is your perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Latin America and the Middle East?
Ambassador Toscano-Amores: Both regions face similar challenges.
While Latin America's biggest problems are political internal instability and narcotraffic and economic crises, Africa and the Middle East have the Israel-Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria crises.
Besides, Sudan and Libya added border conflicts to Egypt.
Ecuador hopes peace and development will soon replace war and disparity in the region.
Egypt plays a key role in these matters, and Ecuador supports its efforts.
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