Korea and Egypt Discuss Sustainable Local Development as the Two Countries Mark the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations This Year

Ambassador Kim Yonghyon of the Republic of Korea to Egypt met with H.E. Prof. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, focusing on environmental cooperation, rural development, and empowering women and youth.

Ambassador Kim recognized her exceptional contributions to local governance including her tenure as Governor of Damietta and Deputy Governor of Giza, and offered his best wishes for a successful tenure as Egypt’s first female Minister of Local Development.

Ambassador Kim highlighted ongoing projects between the two countries to improve Egypt’s waste resource management. These include building recovery facilities in rural areas and providing training for Egyptian officials in waste management. He emphasized that these efforts will help address waste challenges and support Egypt’s transition to a more sustainable, circular economy.

The Ambassador also invited officials from Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development to join the Global Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) Training Program, following the 2022 MOU between Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development. The program shares Korea’s rural development experience, focusing on the Saemaul Undong, a major rural development movement launched in the 1970s to promote rural revitalization through community-led projects.

Ambassador Kim also outlined Korea’s ongoing initiatives in Egypt, including KOICA’s collaboration with UNFPA and UN Women to empower Egyptian women. He highlighted Korea’s contribution to the establishment of Beni Suef Technological University and explained that KOICA is providing vocational training programs in Cairo, Alexandria, and Damietta, in partnership with the WFP, to equip Egyptian youth with essential skills.

Ambassador Kim and Minister Awad discussed further opportunities for cooperation on sustainable development and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations. The Ambassador expressed hope for Minister Awad’s future visit to Korea, which would deepen bilateral collaboration.

Both sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation and exploring new opportunities for future collaboration.

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