H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and Egypt’s Governor at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), held a number of bilateral meetings with government representatives and country governors at the EBRD. These meetings took place during her participation in the 34th EBRD Annual Meeting and Business Forum, held in London from May 13 to 15, 2025, under the theme “Expanding Horizons, Enduring Strengths.”
Egypt-Turkey Relations
Al-Mashat met with H.E. Mr. Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of Republic of Türkiye. She emphasized the historical relations between Egypt and Turkey, pointing to the historic visit of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Turkey in September 2024, which marked a turning point in Egyptian-Turkish relations and launched a new phase of enhanced cooperation and partnership.
She noted that trade exchange between Egypt and Turkey reached $3 billion during the first half of 2024, reflecting the robustness of commercial ties. Investment relations are also developing, with Egypt’s efforts to empower the private sector, boost economic growth, and open doors for more local and foreign investment.
Al-Mashat highlighted Egypt’s openness to transfer and exchange of experiences in various fields outlined in the MoU signed during the presidential visit.
She also underscored the importance of strengthening joint efforts in manufacturing and Egypt’s strong partnerships with regional and international institutions, multilateral and bilateral development partners, and UN agencies to support efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.
Egypt-Azerbaijan Relations
In another meeting, Al-Mashat met with H.E. Mr. Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The two sides discussed enhancing bilateral economic relations across various sectors, especially amid current global challenges that necessitate more effective and integrated regional cooperation.
She commended Azerbaijan’s initiative to propose holding the 6th session of the Joint Economic Committee between the two countries in Egypt in September 2025. The Minister noted that 35 Azerbaijani companies currently operate in Egypt in fields such as tourism, industry, communications, and information technology. Additionally, around 6,660 Azerbaijani tourists visited Egypt in 2024.
The two sides also discussed strengthening cooperation in the mining sector. Al-Mashat presented Egypt’s new Mineral Resources Law, including a new section on the Mineral Resources Authority and mining industries.
Egypt-Armenia Relations
In another context, she also met with H.E. Mr. Vahe Hovhannisyan, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Armenia. She emphasized the depth of the historical friendship between the two countries, referring to the visit of El-Sisi to Armenia in 2023. This visit was a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and opened new horizons of cooperation in various fields.
The visit included signing agreements covering several economic, commercial, and cultural areas, contributing to a strong and sustainable partnership.
Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Armenia in the future. She stressed the importance of expanding cooperation in economic, commercial, scientific, and cultural fields.
She highlighted Egypt’s efforts to create an attractive investment climate for Armenian investors, offering incentives and opportunities across economic sectors, and expressed Egypt’s readiness to work with Armenia to expand bilateral cooperation in a way that serves mutual interests.
The minister also shared Egypt’s experience in building relationships with international institutions and multilateral development banks to mobilize financing for the private sector and attract foreign investment.
OPEC Fund for International Development
On the sidelines of the forum, Al-Mashat met with H.E. Mr. Tareq Nassar, Assistant Director General of the OPEC Fund for International Development.
The two sides reviewed areas of mutual cooperation, particularly in light of the Fund’s pivotal role in financing Egypt’s private sector.
Al-Mashat expressed Egypt’s deep appreciation for its longstanding and close partnership with the OPEC Fund, which is based on mutual commitment and ongoing efforts to support SDGs in the country. She added that this cooperation underscores the Fund’s diligent endeavors to support development paths and generate positive economic and social impacts.
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