Egypt and Germany reaffirmed their strategic partnership during a high-level joint press conference held in New Alamein, marking the first official visit to Egypt by Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan, since assuming office.

The press conference featured Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Rania Al-Mashat, and Minister Alabali-Radovan, highlighting joint priorities ranging from green energy and economic development to migration and Gaza reconstruction.

“Germany is a key strategic partner. We are committed to enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and development,” said Minister Abdel Aty, welcoming the German delegation.

He emphasized the strong presence of over 1,000 German companies in Egypt and called for deeper cooperation in water security, vocational training, and legal migration frameworks.

Abdel Aty also reaffirmed Egypt’s leading role in regional diplomacy, particularly in coordinating the Arab reconstruction plan for Gaza, and praised Germany’s support.

“We welcome Germany’s engagement in Egypt’s efforts to host an international conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza,” he added.

Minister Alabali-Radovan echoed the sentiment, describing Egypt as a “valued and longstanding partner” and highlighting that her visit was her first official international trip as development minister, signaling the importance of bilateral ties.

“Egypt remains a key partner for Germany. We are committed to expanding cooperation in energy, water, and private sector growth,” she said, stressing Germany’s full support for the Arab-led Gaza recovery plan, co-developed with Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, and the Arab League. “Gaza lies in ruins, 90% of buildings are destroyed. Rebuilding will require massive international coordination, and Germany is ready to act, in full partnership with Egypt.”

She reiterated Germany’s call for a lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages including German nationals, and unhindered humanitarian access into Gaza. She also stressed Germany’s opposition to forced displacement or territorial reductions in Gaza or the West Bank.

Minister Alabali-Radovan also pointed to future cooperation in skilled labor mobility, technical education, and climate resilience. “Our shared vision for peace, development, and investment sets a strong foundation for the years ahead,” she said, noting plans to present joint projects at the upcoming COP in Brazil.

Minister Al-Mashat outlined the economic dimensions of the partnership, describing Germany as one of Egypt’s largest European partners in development, trade, and investment.

She noted that around 1,600 German companies are operating in Egypt, with investments exceeding €6 billion, mainly in energy, green transformation, and manufacturing, adding that bilateral trade stands at €6.8 billion.

“Our cooperation model is built on trust, innovation, and mutual benefit,” Al-Mashat said. “It reflects Egypt’s national vision to achieve structural transformation toward a more export-oriented and sustainable economy.”

Key economic highlights from the press conference included:

- €340 million Debt Swap Program for Development with Germany, including a new €100 million tranche to be activated in December 2025 and June 2026. €258 million allocated by Germany to support Egypt’s flagship NWFE (“Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy”) program through concessional loans, grants, and debt swaps.

- A €30 million green hydrogen project supported by Germany’s KfW Bank and implemented by Scatec, Orascom Construction, Fertiglobe, and Egypt’s Sovereign Fund in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, expected to cut CO₂ emissions by 140,000 tons annually and generate 1,300+ jobs.

- Plans to launch a new platform modeled after NWFE to mobilize international partnerships for industrial development. Expansion of Egypt’s Inclusive Technical Education Initiative, funded by €32 million to establish 25 Centers of Excellence. €86 million in support for Acwa Power wind projects, integrated into Egypt’s national grid.

Al-Mashat also praised Germany’s support for the EU’s €5 billion macroeconomic support package for Egypt and emphasized continued collaboration with German development institutions to expand private sector financing.

She concluded by pointing to positive trends in Egypt’s economy, including growth improvements in the first three quarters of FY2024/25, underpinned by a strong commitment to macroeconomic stability and foreign investment.