The Arab Republic of Egypt and Nigeria have started to reap the benefits of the recently signed Comprehensive Partnership, which upgraded bilateral relations between both countries to boost trade, investment, and security cooperation, among other things.
The Ambassador of Egypt to Nigeria, Mohamed Fouad, stated this while delivering his remarks during the events to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the 23rd July 1952 Egyptian Revolution, often referred to as Egypt’s National Day, in Abuja on Friday.
According to the envoy, the partnership signed in January 2025 is already “scaling up our trade and investment relations, which is a priority for our two governments. In that regard, we are proud of the numerous Egyptian companies that have been active in Nigeria for years, in areas such as construction, energy, and Communications, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and creating employment opportunities.
“From security, countering-terrorism, to energy, communications, trade, and infrastructure, to agriculture, health care and education, our two countries are proceeding with determination on the path to forge a modern and forward-looking partnership anchored in our common values and shared objectives,” he added.
Ambassador Fouad said further that Egypt and Nigeria are cognizant of the imperative of redefining and further developing their bilateral relations to meet emerging common challenges and priorities in a time of profound uncertainty.
He pointed out that the third round of bilateral political consultations between both countries convened for the first time at the level of the ministers of foreign affairs in Cairo last January saw the Egyptian minister of foreign affairs Dr Badr Abd-Elatty, and his Nigerian counterpart, Youssef Tuggar discuss numerous regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest, and signed the joint statement elevating their bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive partnership.
Ambassador Fouad noted that during this Ministerial visit, the Egyptian-Nigerian Business Forum was held under the theme “Egypt-Nigeria Partnership: Unlocking Shared Prosperity through Trade and Investment.”
He added that historical ties linking Egypt to Nigeria date back centuries, stressing that Cairo’s leading Al-Azhar Al Shareef University, established a few centuries ago, has “The Borno Pavilion,” dedicated to students arriving from Northern Nigeria.
“Generations of Nigerians sought knowledge at the esteemed University of Al Azhar. Today, hundreds of Nigerian students are enrolled in Egyptian universities, fostering a new generation of leaders who will contribute to Nigerian society, and will undoubtedly strengthen the ties between our two nations and enhance people-to-people relations,” he said.
The Egyptian envoy said further that the 23rd of July 1952 Revolution was a momentous event that changed the nation’s course, restoring dignity, independence, and hope to the Egyptian people, emphasising that it brought new dimensions to Egypt.
He highlighted that under the “New Republic” vision of current President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Egypt has embarked on an ambitious journey of comprehensive development and modernisation across all sectors.
“We are building new cities, investing in sustainable energy, expanding our industrial base, and prioritising education and healthcare, all with the aim of creating a prosperous and inclusive future for all Egyptians. Our economy is diversifying, our infrastructure is rapidly evolving, and our commitment to regional stability and global cooperation remains steadfast,” he said.
He lauded Nigeria’s support for Egyptian Professor Khaled El-Anany’s candidacy for the position of Director General of UNESCO in an election to be held in October 2025.
“Professor El-Anany enjoys the full support of the African Union, the League of Arab States and numerous countries that have publicly endorsed him.
“Professor El-Anany’s experience as a scholar and a Minister, as well as his dedication to the preservation of heritage, and the advancement of education and science, make him the perfect candidate for this prestigious position,” he said.
