This interview with Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, Egypt’s ambassador to Brussels, highlights how Egyptian diplomacy seeks to use culture as a powerful tool of soft power, and how security and defense relations between Egypt and the EU are expanding amid current challenges. In the context of evolving Egypt–Europe relations, the vital role of cultural and diplomatic dimensions in enhancing Egypt’s image and strengthening its connection with European partners cannot be overlooked.
Highlighting Egypt’s Civilizational Image in Europe: The Power of Culture and Soft Power
The ambassador discussed Egypt’s image in Europe. He emphasized that Egypt’s foreign policy relies primarily on the cultural dimension and soft power through organizing major cultural events and seminars that showcase Egyptian civilization and history, such as planning the inauguration celebration of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which was supposed to be presented before European leaders in Brussels.
Egyptian films are also screened and artistic groups are brought to participate in Europe, with plans to intensify these activities in the coming year.
He stressed that 50% of the success of Egyptian diplomacy is achieved through this cultural dimension, as the other party’s awareness of Egyptian history and culture grants Egypt a unique status in international relations.
The ambassador added that the embassy itself strives to be a civilizational model before its partners.
Furthermore, Abu Zaid connected culture with education through programs like Erasmus Plus and “Efraison” for scientific research and skills development, as investment in human capital is at the core of cooperation strategy between Egypt and the European Union.
He pointed to attempts to facilitate the recognition of Egyptian educational certificates in Europe and cooperation programs in scientific research that allow Egyptian researchers to benefit from European research networks with joint funding.
He concluded by affirming that the current challenge is the rise in military spending in Europe, which reduces allocations for soft power, putting pressure on cultural and educational investment despite its great importance in enhancing understanding and cooperation among peoples.
Defense and Security Partnership: Ongoing Dialogue and Advanced Cooperation
Abu Zaid also discussed that there is ongoing political and security dialogue between Cairo and European countries, including cooperation on counterterrorism and transnational crimes.
He pointed out that relations between Egypt and countries like France, Germany, and Italy in the defense field are advanced and extensive, and that all channels of cooperation are always open for all defense-related topics.
He confirmed that this cooperation evolves as the level of political dialogue advances, reflected in meetings such as the Partnership Council or the European Summit where all relevant topics, including security and defense issues, are discussed.
Therefore, the ambassador saw a wide horizon for defense cooperation between Egypt and the European Union despite current geopolitical challenges.
This interview reflected a comprehensive Egyptian diplomatic vision that takes into account politics, culture, education, and security to promote Egypt’s standing in the heart of Europe and on the international stage generally.
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