Seoul – By Sanjay Kumar
Egyptian Ambassador to South Korea Khaled Abdel Rahman praised Korea’s development cooperation and strategic investments that align with Egypt’s Vision 2030, during a ceremony marking the 73rd anniversary of Egypt’s National Day in Seoul on Friday.
Held annually on July 23, Egypt’s National Day commemorates the 1952 revolution that ended monarchical rule and laid the foundation for the modern Egyptian republic. As the country forges ahead, Vision 2030 outlines a transformative roadmap focused on justice, inclusion, sustainability, and enhanced quality of life.
“In support of this vision, Korean institutions like KOTRA, KOICA, and the Export-Import Bank of Korea have contributed significantly through initiatives in green energy, digital transformation, vocational training, and rural development,” said Ambassador Abdel Rahman at the event.
He also spotlighted Egypt’s $59 billion plan to build a new smart city east of Cairo — a future-ready hub powered by artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), smart infrastructure, and sustainable transport systems. He expressed appreciation for Korean corporations such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai Rotem, KHNP, and Doosan for their active roles in flagship projects ranging from metro systems to the El-Dabaa nuclear power plant.
“The distance between the Pyramids of Giza and the palaces of Seoul may be great, but our aspirations converge,” Abdel Rahman stated, emphasizing the deepening bond between the two nations.
Diplomatic relations between Egypt and South Korea, established on April 13, 1995, have since evolved into a robust cooperative partnership. Key milestones include President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi’s historic 2016 visit to Seoul and former President Moon Jae-in’s 2022 visit to Cairo — both of which fortified political and economic ties.
Representing the Korean government, Lee Tae-woo, Ambassador for International Cyber Cooperation, highlighted the remarkable rise in bilateral trade, which has surged from $500 million in 1995 to over $3 billion by 2023.
Quoting an Arabic proverb, Lee said, “Al rafik qabla al tareeq” — “Choose your companion before choosing your path,” adding, “With a good friend, even a tough road becomes enjoyable.”
The event drew a distinguished audience, including diplomats, embassy officials, Korean business leaders, NGOs, media representatives, and members of the foreign community in Korea — all celebrating a growing friendship that spans continents and cultures.
