The agreement was signed in Cairo by Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat and Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár, who attended the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
The deal underscores both countries’ commitment to expanding economic partnership and exploring new areas of collaboration that support shared priorities and sustainable growth.
During the signing ceremony, the two ministers discussed ways to deepen cooperation in light of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union (EU), as well as the growing momentum in Egypt–EU relations following the recent first Egypt–EU Summit held in Brussels.
The talks also covered preparations for the first session of the Egypt–Slovakia Joint Committee, which will serve as a platform to leverage both countries’ economic potential and investment opportunities.
Discussions focused on boosting joint investments, attracting more Slovak tourists to Egypt—particularly following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum—and supporting national priorities, such as industrial localization and private sector empowerment.
Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt’s longstanding friendship with Slovakia, dating back to the 1990s, saying the partnership gains added significance within the broader context of Egypt’s evolving relations with the EU.
She expressed hope for building on past achievements to increase trade exchange, deepen private-sector engagement, and promote industrial cooperation and knowledge sharing, noting that current trade and investment levels “do not yet reflect the full potential of the two economies.”
For his part, Blanár said Slovakia seeks to intensify dialogue with countries in the Global South and Africa, emphasizing Egypt’s growing role as a regional hub for business and investment. He described the agreement as “a significant step forward,” providing a new framework to enhance bilateral cooperation and expand trade flows.
According to official data, approximately 45 Slovak companies currently operate in Egypt, with total investments exceeding $560 million across various sectors, including tourism, services, industry, construction, communications, agriculture, and information technology.
In 2024, about 1.4 million Slovak tourists visited Egypt, reflecting the country's strong tourism ties and steady growth in arrivals.
Bilateral trade between the two countries reached roughly $340.4 million. Slovakia’s exports to Egypt primarily focused on industrial and transport goods, including vehicles and machinery, while Egypt’s exports to Slovakia were more diversified, encompassing electronics, rubber products, and fireworks.
Egypt’s joint committee framework, overseen by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, currently includes around 55 bilateral committees with partner countries worldwide, serving as a key mechanism for promoting economic, trade, investment, cultural, and scientific cooperation.
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