Egypt, South Korea sign deals for joint manufacturing of K-9 howitzers

Hagar El-Shabrawy, Saturday 26 Feb 2022

Egypt and South Korea signed on Friday two contracts for the joint manufacturing of K9 howitzer artillery vehicles during a ceremony in Cairo attended by several officials from both countries, a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Military Production said.

K-9 Howitzer contract
During the signing ceremony of the contracts on Friday 25 February, 2022. Photo courtesy of Ministry of State for Military Production.

The contracts were signed between South Korea's Hanhwa Group and the Egyptian Ministry of Military Production represented by the Tank Production and Repair Company, locally known as Factory 200, and Abu Zaabal Company for Engineering Industries, locally known as Factory 100.

The event was attended by Minister of State for Military Production Mohamed Ahmed Morsy, South Korean ambassador to Egypt Hong Jin-Wook, and the South Korean military attaché.

The deal comes within the framework of both countries' endeavours to achieve rapprochement and make bilateral relations sustainable for a better future, said Morsy.

The Egyptian minister also voiced his hope to foster cooperation with South Korea in the field of defence industries in a way that benefits both sides and the world as a whole, the statement added.

Friday's agreement is part of the armament deals and memorandums of understanding (MoU) for military cooperation signed between the two countries on 1 February, noted Morsy.

The earlier ceremony witnessed the signing of a contract to locally manufacture the howitzer system (EGY k9A1) through the companies and factories of the Egyptian National Authority for Military Production.

It also included two MoUs for cooperation in defensive industries and logistics support and another MoU on the principles governing cooperation in defence research and development to coordinate and exchange military expertise.

South Korean ambassador to Egypt Hong Jin-Wook said that his country views Egypt as a strategic partner and a stable country that has an effective and influential role in the Middle East in light of its great potential and skilled manpower, especially among the youth.

He also highlighted Egypt’s position as a strategic hub for South Korean companies in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

On 20 January, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in met in Cairo during the first visit by a South Korean president to Egypt in 16 years.

The two leaders agreed to boost cooperation in multiple fields to support Cairo’s efforts towards a fourth industrial revolution.

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