Cairo: AfricUpdate – News Desk
According to the Egyptian Cabinet, the meeting took place on the sidelines of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s participation in the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama from 20 to 22 August. During the talks, Madbouly highlighted Egypt’s mediation efforts, in cooperation with international partners, to secure a comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
He reaffirmed Cairo’s rejection of Israel’s war on Gaza and the obstruction of humanitarian aid, which has worsened the humanitarian crisis in the Strip. He also reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any attempt to displace Palestinians from their land, warning that such measures would amount to liquidating the Palestinian cause. Madbouly stressed Cairo’s broader efforts to promote de-escalation across the Middle East, underscoring Egypt’s determination to work towards reducing regional tensions and sparing its people further conflict.
For his part, the Japanese Prime Minister praised Egypt’s role in pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of captives. He also called on Israel to respect international law and improve the humanitarian situation in the Strip. The two premiers reviewed Egyptian-Japanese ties. Madbouly praised the historic relations between Egypt and Japan, which span more than 70 years and were upgraded to a strategic partnership in April 2023.
He expressed appreciation for Japan’s contribution to major national projects, notably the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), and looked forward to Ishiba’s participation in its opening ceremony on 1 November. Madbouly also pointed to cooperation in the education sector, which has led to the establishment of the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology and 69 Egyptian-Japanese schools. He expressed hope that the number of schools would eventually expand to 500.
The premier further stressed Egypt’s interest in extending cooperation into advanced technology industries, artificial intelligence, and governance. He affirmed Egypt’s aspiration to establish a Japanese industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), capitalising on its strategic location and unique incentives. He also underlined the importance of maximising benefits from agreements Egypt has signed with various economic blocs and neighbouring countries.
Madbouly encouraged Japanese companies to invest in Egypt’s National Low-Carbon Hydrogen Strategy, adopted in August 2024. For his part, the Japanese Prime Minister hailed the strength of bilateral ties, particularly in cultural cooperation, with Japan playing a key role in establishing the GEM. He also voiced support for Japanese investment in the SCZone, citing existing cooperation in renewable and clean energy projects.
Madbouly praised trilateral cooperation between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD), and African partners in peacebuilding and peacekeeping. He also welcomed Japan’s support for the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), which has launched joint programmes with Japan and African countries.
The premier expressed hope that Japan would remain a strategic partner of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, which addresses emerging challenges to peace and security in Africa. He also commended Japan for its successful organisation of the summit. For his part, the Japanese Prime Minister expressed interest in expanding joint scientific research with African states, including through scholarships provided via the Egypt-Japan University. He also voiced hope for Egypt’s participation in the World Horticultural Exposition “Expo 2027 Yokohama,” scheduled to take place in Yokohama in 2027.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat and Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif. According to the Egyptian Cabinet, Madbouly also joined the closing session of TICAD 9, which was attended by the Japanese PM, African heads of state and government, and leaders of international and African organisations.
The final communiqué, the “Yokohama Declaration 2025,” was adopted, outlining recommendations from participating delegations to strengthen Africa-Japan cooperation across multiple fields. Launched in 1993 and co-hosted by the United Nations, the World Bank, and the African Union, TICAD is one of the leading international forums for advancing cooperation with Africa.
