Ukraine and Egypt mark a significant milestone in their diplomatic history as they celebrate three decades of fruitful relations.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Egypt was officially inaugurated in Cairo's Dokki district on September 1, 1993. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Mubarak, Egyptian government officials, business leaders, public figures, and diplomats from Cairo's diplomatic community.
Notably, the same year saw the establishment of the Egyptian Embassy in Kyiv, signifying a shared commitment to forging lasting ties.
This event holds special significance as the Ukrainian embassy in Egypt became the first diplomatic mission of independent Ukraine in the Arab world and Africa.
An essential milestone in this journey occurred in December 1992, when President Leonid Kravchuk of Ukraine embarked on a successful official visit to Egypt—the Middle East's first by a Ukrainian head of state.
During this historic visit, the Agreement on the Basics of Mutual Relations and Cooperation between Ukraine and the Arab Republic of Egypt was signed, alongside several other intergovernmental agreements.
These undertakings underscored Ukraine's recognition of Egypt as a pivotal Middle Eastern partner, fostering a foundation for robust cooperation that endures to this day.
The inaugural Ukrainian Embassy in Cairo encountered organizational challenges, considering it was being built "from scratch."
Despite these initial hurdles and the association of Ukraine with the former Soviet Union or the Russian Federation in the minds of many Egyptians, the Ukrainian diplomats' dedication, enthusiasm, and rapid learning enabled them to surmount these obstacles.
Their efforts were amplified by the assistance and support extended by colleagues from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, governmental officials, entrepreneurs, and public figures, many of whom remain steadfast friends to this day.
The diplomatic collaboration between Ukraine and Egypt rapidly evolved, reaching a new level within four years.
The partnership spanned political, economic, humanitarian, and military-technical realms, culminating in a significant increase in bilateral trade.
Memorable cultural exchanges such as the Ukrainian dance ensemble's debut performance in Cairo, named after Pavlo Virsky, and the first Ukrainian Culture Week in Egypt resonated deeply with the Egyptian society, enhancing mutual understanding.
Over the decades, the progress in Ukrainian-Egyptian relations has remained steadfast, fostering collaboration and mutual respect.
A robust framework encompassing 33 intergovernmental conventions, agreements, and memoranda underpins their multifaceted cooperation.
High-level political dialogue between Kyiv and Cairo endures, including regular political consultations between foreign ministers. The Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Scientific and Technical Cooperation further strengthens their bond.
Egypt's pivotal role in Ukrainian trade is evident, with the nation becoming Ukraine's principal trading partner in the Middle East and Africa. The trade volume reached an all-time high of $2.446 billion in 2021.
As one of the top exporters of agricultural products to Egypt, Ukraine plays a vital role in supporting the nation's food security. Notably, Ukraine topped the global charts in 2021 with the highest number of tourists visiting Egypt, reaching 1.6 million visitors.
In the face of the ongoing challenges posed by Russia's armed invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the survival of the Ukrainian nation and its statehood stands in the balance.
This critical juncture necessitates the mobilization of internal resources and external support. The leadership of Egypt's principled stance within the United Nations reflects the solidarity of its citizens in upholding Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Reflecting on the journey of Ukrainian-Egyptian relations over the past 30 years, it is evident that the partnership holds immense untapped potential for further enriching cooperation to the benefit of both nations.
With optimism and shared aspirations, we look ahead to a promising future of collaboration, friendship, and progress between Ukraine and Egypt. 
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