Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, Egypt’s Ambassador to Belgium, has confirmed that Egyptian–Belgian relations are entering a new era of strategic depth and opportunity, particularly in the fields of green energy, modern technology, and trade cooperation. In a time of complex global realignments, Egypt is positioning itself as a stable and attractive partner for European investors and policymakers alike.
In an interview with Mohamed Wadie, the Editor-in-Chief of SEE News, Ambassador Abu Zeid underlined that Belgian investments in Egypt are experiencing significant growth, notably marked by a landmark €4 billion agreement in the renewable energy and green hydrogen sectors, signed during a recent investment forum.
These investments reflect a deepening economic partnership that is further supported by Belgium’s strong presence in sectors such as infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and technological innovation.
The Ambassador noted that Belgian universities are also home to a growing number of Egyptian students in specialized academic programs, adding a vibrant educational dimension to the bilateral relationship. Moreover, Luxembourg—a close partner in the Benelux region—has become an important player in Egypt’s financial services sector, contributing to expanding trade and capital flow between the two sides.
According to Abu Zeid, Egypt offers European markets a unique blend of advantages:
- Strategic geographical proximity to Europe
- A skilled and competitively priced workforce
- Modern logistics and infrastructure hubs, including the Suez Canal Economic Zone
A stable macroeconomic environment and strong government incentives for foreign investment
He emphasized that amid growing challenges across Europe—such as resource shortages and labor gaps—Egypt is emerging as a natural extension of European value chains, capable of providing scalable solutions in energy, supply chains, and production.
On Egypt’s relationship with the European Union, Ambassador Abu Zeid explained that the EU is actively working to diversify its partnerships globally, as seen in recent diplomatic missions to China, Japan, and South Africa. Egypt, he stressed, was among the first countries in the region to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership with the EU, giving it a central role in Europe's policy toward both the Middle East and Africa.
Egypt’s role, he said, goes beyond economic alignment. It serves as a pillar of regional stability, offering credible diplomatic channels and acting as a reliable partner in energy transition, migration policy, and counterterrorism cooperation.
Turning to Egypt’s engagement with NATO, Abu Zeid spoke about Egypt’s participation in the Mediterranean Dialogue, a cooperative framework that includes seven countries from the southern Mediterranean. Egypt works closely with NATO on capacity building in maritime security, counterterrorism, and irregular migration control.
Importantly, he emphasized Egypt’s steadfast commitment to balanced diplomacy, steering clear of bloc-based rivalries.
“Egypt does not align with polarized alliances. Instead, we maintain strategic, respectful, and independent relationships with all global powers,” he stated.
This non-aligned yet cooperative stance, he added, is widely respected within NATO and among European partners.
On the investment front, Belgium currently ranks as Egypt’s fifth-largest European investor, with approximately $1.4 billion in capital concentrated in infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial development. The outlook for 2025 points to further Belgian investments, particularly in automotive manufacturing, agricultural technologies, and clean energy solutions.
Ambassador Abu Zeid’s message is clear: Egypt is not only open for business — it is ready for partnership. As the global economic map is redrawn, Egypt’s combination of stability, economic ambition, and diplomatic clarity makes it a key regional player and a trusted bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Arab world.
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