Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Cairo witnessed a rare and humanizing scene early yesterday morning as Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schouff and his Belgian counterpart, Bart De Wever, were spotted jogging along the Nile Corniche in the company of their wives. The casual outing, captured by passersby and quickly shared across social media, struck a chord with many and became a trending topic online, highlighting a different side of high-level diplomacy.
The serene images of the two European leaders enjoying a morning run in the Egyptian capital came amid their visit to attend the historic inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum. The event drew a high-profile audience, including leaders and officials from multiple European Union countries, underlining Egypt’s growing cultural and diplomatic prominence on the global stage.
Social media users praised the scene, noting that witnessing foreign leaders moving freely and comfortably along Cairo’s waterfront sent a powerful message about safety and stability in Egypt. Many saw the images as a reflection of the country’s welcoming atmosphere and a signal of growing confidence among international visitors in its peaceful environment.
The visit also coincides with a period of strengthened collaboration between Egypt and the European Union, particularly in investment, scientific research, and innovation. Most recently, Egypt officially joined the Horizon Europe program, a major EU initiative designed to foster scientific and technological cooperation, opening new avenues for joint research and development projects.
Observers noted that the presence of Prime Ministers Schouff and De Wever at the Grand Egyptian Museum inauguration went beyond a routine diplomatic engagement. Their participation carried symbolic significance, reinforcing Egypt’s image as a secure and open tourist destination, while also celebrating the country’s cultural heritage and its role as a bridge between ancient history and contemporary innovation.
The jogging scene along the Nile Corniche, though informal, became representational of Egypt’s efforts to project both hospitality and modernity, blending everyday life with moments of international significance.
