Egypt

Egypt and the Netherlands share long-standing bilateral relations characterized by friendship and comprehensive cooperation in all aspects including the political, economic, and cultural. In addition to this, the constant coordination to enhance mutual understanding in regional and international issues of common concern.

BY H.E. MR. HATEM ELSAYED MOHAMED KAMALELDIN, AMBASSADOR OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT

TThe Netherlands is the second European investor (3.8 billion dollars) and the sixth foreign investor in Egypt’s various fields. There are many opportunities for investment in

Egypt as it has become the second largest economy in the African continent and the most attractive investment destination in

Africa over the last four years. Moreover, bilateral trade increased and reached 1,9 billion dollars last year. Both countries are keen to strengthen cooperation in the fields of agricultural development, water management, and migration, in addition to logistics and maritime transport, energy and infrastructure. Several

Dutch companies also have strong relations with the Suez Canal Authority, as they played an essential role in the work of digging the new Suez Canal, in addition to building dredgers recently delivered for the Suez Canal authority.

The Netherlands is one of the first European countries that participated in archaeological missions in Egypt, especially in the Saqqara region. Furthermore, the Department of Egyptology at Leiden University is considered one of the most important departments of Egyptology in Europe. The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden also contains one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities in the West.

Egypt is considered as one of the favourite destinations for Dutch tourists who are looking to explore the splendours and glory of the Egyptian Civilization and also to enjoy the long sandy coasts and underwater treasures. Recently, Egypt built many museums including the “The Civilization Museum” in Cairo and the “Grand Museum” in Giza. The latter will have its grand opening in a few months’ time.

In our view, the societal dimension is considered one of the most important aspects of the historical relations that bind the two countries. Many Egyptians are present in the Netherlands nowadays - integrated into Dutch society, they represent a bridge between both countries. The continuous influx of Egyptian students admitted to several Dutch universities and higher education institutions every year, deepen the bilateral relations in a more direct way.