Speaking at an event marking Canada Day, Ambassador Ulric Shannon told diplomats, journalists, and public figures that Egypt and Canada were working together on a range of regional and international challenges while expanding economic cooperation.
Shannon said Egypt and Canada shared similarities both on and off the football field, noting that Egypt was ranked 29th in the FIFA rankings while Canada was 30th.
"Some observers describe both as middle powers in world football," he said, adding that a similar dynamic applied to the two countries' roles internationally.
The ambassador used the occasion to thank Egypt for its diplomatic efforts in the region, recalling Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Cairo last year for a summit focused on Gaza.
He said Canada appreciated Egypt's role in efforts to resolve regional conflicts and support diplomatic initiatives.
Shannon also pointed to growing economic cooperation between the two countries, citing a $400 million agreement signed last December to modernise locomotives used by Egypt's railway network.
He said Canadian companies and technology were becoming increasingly present in Egypt, reflecting what he described as expanding bilateral ties.
The event was organised around Canada's final Group Stage match against Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Guests were encouraged to attend in football shirts rather than formal attire as part of Canada Day celebrations.
Shannon also highlighted the role of sport in reflecting Canada's diversity, pointing to national team captain Alphonso Davies, who was born in a refugee camp in Ghana before moving with his family to Canada as a child.
The ambassador said Canada had welcomed football fans from around the world during the tournament, including Egyptian supporters who travelled to Vancouver to back their national team.
"I hope the sporting spirit embodied by the World Cup will inspire us and encourage world leaders to prioritise wisdom, dialogue, and efforts toward building a safer and more stable world," Shannon said.
"This evening's celebration is not an ordinary national day event. After the official programme concludes, the festivities will continue until midnight as we watch the live broadcast of Canada's match against Switzerland in the final round of the 2026 World Cup group stage," he added.
Short link: