Dr. Muzaffar Kamilov writes
Chairman of the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan
Member of the Executive Council of ICESCO
EGYPT stands as one of the most ancient cradles of human civilization. Today, it remains a nation of immense potential and distinguished stature within the Islamic world, the Arab community, and the African continent.
The friendship and cooperation between Uzbekistan and Egypt are rooted in centuries of shared intellectual and spiritual heritage. The scientific and enlightenment legacy of great scholars who flourished in Transoxiana and Egypt represents an invaluable treasure for the entire Muslim world. Among them was the eminent scholar Ahmad al-Farghani, who lived and worked in Egypt, leaving behind discoveries of enduring significance.
Notably, the Nilometer he helped construct—used to measure the water level of the Nile—continues to symbolize Egypt’s historical ingenuity and sustainable development. The statue erected in his honor along the Nile in Cairo stands today as a luminous emblem of the eternal friendship between our two peoples.
Diplomatic Foundations and Strategic Elevation
Egypt was among the first Arab states to recognize the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan on December 26, 1991. Diplomatic relations were established on January 23, 1992. The Egyptian Embassy in Tashkent opened in May 1993, followed by the Uzbek Embassy in Cairo in December 1994.
In recent years, relations have reached a qualitatively new stage, driven by the political will and visionary leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Uzbekistan’s open and pragmatic foreign policy, alongside Egypt’s “Vision 2030” strategy, aligns harmoniously with Uzbekistan’s New Development Strategy.
A historic milestone was President El-Sisi’s official visit to Uzbekistan in 2018. Further high-level engagement occurred during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.
On February 20–21, 2023, President Mirziyoyev paid an official visit to Egypt at President El-Sisi’s invitation. During this visit, both sides agreed to elevate bilateral relations to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening a new chapter in political dialogue, trade, education, science, culture, and religious cooperation.
Economic Momentum and Investment Expansion
Economic relations have entered a dynamic phase since 2017. Trade turnover has multiplied significantly, rising nearly ninefold compared to 2018 levels. By 2024, bilateral trade reached $54.8 million, with Uzbek exports accounting for $48.87 million.
Uzbekistan exports textiles, silk, non-ferrous metals, construction materials, and food products to Egypt, while importing pharmaceuticals, chemicals, plastics, electrical equipment, and agricultural goods. In 2023, aviation and transport equipment constituted the largest share of Egyptian exports to Uzbekistan.
Twenty-nine joint ventures with Egyptian capital operate in Uzbekistan, with new projects under negotiation in pharmaceuticals, fisheries, and construction materials. Egyptian companies have expressed intentions to invest $1.2 billion in Uzbekistan’s economy.
Both nations aim to triple trade turnover between 2025 and 2027, reinforcing the practical and forward-looking character of their partnership.
Spiritual Tourism and Cultural Renaissance
Tourism has become a powerful bridge between the two countries. The number of Uzbek tourists visiting Egypt—often called the “Land of the Pyramids”—has grown by 40 percent compared to the previous year.
Meanwhile, many Egyptian visitors travel to Uzbekistan for religious tourism. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Termez, and Tashkent are globally renowned centers of Islamic civilization. The magnificent Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex has become a focal point of global spiritual pilgrimage and scholarly interest.
The Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent further strengthens this legacy, attracting researchers and visitors from across the Muslim world and beyond.
Cooperation with Al-Azhar University has deepened academic and religious dialogue. In 2024, an Al-Azhar delegation visited Tashkent, donating more than 500 textbooks and rare scholarly works to Uzbek institutions. Over 120 Uzbek students study at Al-Azhar and Cairo University, while around 50 Egyptian students pursue studies in Uzbekistan in Arabic language, Islamic studies, and international relations.
Transport, Connectivity, and the Revival of the Silk Road
Uzbekistan’s ambitious transport and logistics reforms aim to restore its historical role as a bridge between East and West. Direct air links between Cairo and Tashkent have strengthened social connectivity and academic exchange.
Strategic infrastructure development aligns with global initiatives to revive the Great Silk Road, once a conduit for commerce, culture, and intellectual dialogue across continents.
Uzbekistan recognizes Egypt as a reliable partner in Africa and the Middle East, while Egypt values Uzbekistan as a pillar of stability and development in Central Asia. Mutual support within the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other multilateral platforms further underscores this trust.
A Partnership of Civilizations
The religious and enlightenment dimension occupies a special place in Uzbek–Egyptian cooperation. Both countries uphold principles of tolerance, preservation of Islam’s humanitarian essence, and scholarly engagement with heritage while countering extremism and emerging global challenges.
In essence, Uzbekistan and Egypt—two ancient centers of civilization—are building a comprehensive strategic partnership founded upon mutual respect, shared interests, cultural dialogue, and long-term vision.
This new phase is not merely diplomatic progress; it is the renewal of a historical bond—one that promises prosperity, stability, and a brighter future for both peoples.
