Germany celebrates Unity Day, 70 years of bilateral relations with Egypt

Ahmed Kotb , Wednesday 5 Oct 2022

In celebration of German Unity Day on 3 October and 70 years of official Egyptian-German diplomatic relations, German Ambassador to Cairo Frank Hartmann highlighted key areas of cooperation between the two countries as well as the dangers of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

German Unity Day
German Ambassador Frank Hartmann celebrates the German Unity Day with Egyptian ministers and state officials.

The celebration, held at the German ambassador's residence in Zamalek, was attended by Egyptian, German and European ministers, foreign and Arab ambassadors in Egypt, senior state officials, businessmen and academics, as well as sports and cultural figures.

"Our admiration for the ancient Egyptian culture dates back centuries, and our contribution to modern education in Egypt started in 1872," Hartmann said, adding that Germany is proud of its strong footprint in education and science in Egypt, as well as the strong economic and technological contribution by German companies to the modernisation of Egypt and its energy transition.

Hartmann also warned that Europe and the world are threatened by the war in Ukraine, which is not only affecting Europe's security, but food security and economic stability around the world. He called for the protection of a rules-based world order founded on international law and world peace.

Hany Sweilam, Egypt's Minister of Water and Irrigation, pointed that the friendship between Egypt and Germany has lasted for decades, and that the two countries have been cooperating towards achieving economic development, prosperity and welfare.

The year 2022 marks the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1953.

"Egypt has demonstrated its keenness over the last few years to strengthen its partnership with Germany, which is considered a key factor in maintaining stability in Egypt's economic development," Sweilam explained, adding that Germany has been very supportive to Egypt's economic and social development and is the country's second largest trade partner in Europe.

Sweilam also stressed that Egypt's current leadership is eager to optimise coordination and cooperation with Germany on many fields, including the economy, energy, security and culture, in addition to working closely on climate change and sustainability issues, especially in the lead up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP27) taking place in Sharm El-Sheikh from 6 to 18 November.

Short link: