Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt and Uzbekistan moved to deepen their economic partnership on Saturday as Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov held talks in Cairo focused on expanding trade, attracting new investments, and accelerating negotiations on a preferential trade agreement between the two countries.
According to a Cabinet statement, discussions centered on practical steps to increase bilateral trade volumes and create new channels for cooperation between the business communities of both nations. Among the proposals reviewed were plans to establish an Egyptian-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and activate a joint business council aimed at supporting investors and facilitating commercial partnerships.
Madbouly stressed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening relations with Uzbekistan across multiple sectors, describing the relationship as one with significant untapped potential. He also highlighted the importance of continued coordination between Cairo and Tashkent within regional and international organizations.
The prime minister pointed to Egypt’s strategic geographic position as a gateway to markets across the Middle East and Africa, saying Egyptian infrastructure companies are already participating in projects in Uzbekistan while Egyptian investments are present in the country’s electrical appliance manufacturing sector.
Beyond economic cooperation, the talks addressed a range of regional developments, including ongoing efforts to contain tensions in the Middle East. Madbouly outlined Egypt’s diplomatic initiatives to address regional crises and reiterated Cairo’s longstanding position regarding the Palestinian issue.
During the meeting, Saidov conveyed greetings from Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and expressed confidence that his visit would contribute to a new phase of cooperation between the two countries.
The Uzbek foreign minister said his government is interested in launching joint infrastructure projects and expanding collaboration in several strategic industries, including agricultural machinery, automobile manufacturing, fertilizers, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
Saidov described Egypt as a key gateway to neighboring regional markets, while noting that Uzbekistan could serve as an entry point for Egyptian businesses seeking opportunities in Central Asia. He also proposed stronger links between industrial zones, economic zones, and local authorities in both countries to facilitate investment and technology exchange.
On regional issues, the Uzbek minister reaffirmed his country’s support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He also highlighted Uzbekistan’s humanitarian and medical assistance efforts for Palestinians in Gaza.
The meeting reviewed coordination between Egypt and Uzbekistan in international forums, including the Non-Aligned Movement, where both countries have sought to strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual interest.
At the conclusion of the talks, Madbouly said he had directed the Egyptian Foreign Ministry to follow up on the proposals discussed during the meeting and work with relevant authorities to transform them into concrete initiatives.
Relations between Egypt and Uzbekistan have gained momentum in recent years as both governments seek to expand economic cooperation and diversify international partnerships. A major milestone came in February 2023 when President Mirziyoyev paid his first state visit to Egypt, resulting in the signing of agreements covering pharmaceuticals, textiles, healthcare, and energy.
The growing partnership was further reinforced in December 2024 when the two countries convened the seventh session of the Joint Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation after a 15-year pause, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing bilateral ties and unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment.
