Mashat Discusses Bilateral Cooperation with S. Africa’s Ministers

Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation discusses with the Pakistani Finance Minister strengthening joint relations and outcomes of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Summit

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, held a number of meetings with officials from the governments of South Africa and Pakistan, during her participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, taking place in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," from January 20 to 24. with wide participation of heads of state and government, decision-makers, and representatives of international organizations.

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat met with three ministers from the South African government; Parks Franklyn Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Finance, and David Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity and Energy.

The meeting witnessed discussions on enhancing means of joint cooperation between the two countries in light of their pivotal position in Africa and their role in supporting development efforts on the continent, especially in light of the development challenges and successive economic crises since 2020, which affected the development gains in African countries.

The meeting also addressed South Africa's preparations to assume the G20 presidency this year. In this regard, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat explained that the topics on the G20 agenda this year are of utmost importance to discuss accelerating the pace of global development, drawing the world's attention to the need to strengthen development efforts in Africa, as well as discussing efforts to promote economic development and financing for development.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that this year will witness several international conferences and forums, most notably the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Spain, where global discussions will continue regarding the reform of the international financial architecture and the reshaping of the global development agenda with less than a decade remaining until 2030, as global development gains decline in light of the intertwined crises facing the world.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation affirmed the significance of global South-South cooperation and strengthening the partnership with South Africa, especially after Egypt's membership in the BRICS group and the New Development Bank.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also emphasized the need to unify the efforts of African countries to push for restructuring the global financial system and integration to achieve development.

Pakistani Minister of Finance

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat held a meeting with Muhammad Aurangzeb, the Pakistani Minister of Finance, where the two ministers discussed joint programs and projects between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Pakistan, and emphasized the importance of continuing discussions to open avenues for cooperation between the two countries. The meeting also covered the outcomes of the 11th D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation Summit, which was hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt, last year.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat confirmed the depth of historical relations between Egypt and Pakistan, highlighting the celebration of the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year. She also reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Pakistan within the framework of economic cooperation among Global South countries.

The Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation also emphasized Egypt's commitment to strengthen South-South and trilateral cooperation, based on the belief that countries with similar economic and social conditions are in the best position to enhance collaboration between them, explaining that this can be achieved by sharing successful policies and best practices that have proven effective in their respective contexts.

Dr. Al-Mashat reviewed Egypt’s efforts to promote inclusive growth, noting that Egypt is currently implementing major economic reforms across a wide range of areas, in addition to focusing on infrastructure development, explaining that although there are development gaps in some areas, these gaps provide significant investment opportunities that can be utilized to enhance private sector participation and attract financing for development.