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The Foreign relations of Egypt are the Egyptian government's external relations with the outside world. Egypt's foreign policy operates along a non-aligned level. Factors such as population size, historical events, military strength, diplomatic expertise and a strategic geographical position give Egypt extensive political influence in the Africa, the Mediterranean, Southwest Asia, and within the Non-Aligned Movement as a whole. Cairo has been a crossroads of the Mediterranean's, Africa's and Asia's commerce and culture for millennia, and its intellectual and religious institutions are at the center of the region's social and cultural landmarks.
Egypt has been seeking to play a role in the resolution of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
Egypt played an important role in the negotiations leading to the Madrid Conference of 1991, which, under United States and Soviet sponsorship, brought together all parties in the region, including for the first time a Palestinian delegation, to discuss Middle East peace.
This support has continued to the present, with former President Hosni Mubarak often intervening personally to promote peace negotiations. In 1996, he hosted the Sharm El-Sheikh "Summit of the Peacemakers" attended by President Bill Clinton and other world leaders.
In 2000, he hosted two summits at Sharm El-Sheikh and one at Taba in an effort to resume the Camp David negotiations suspended in July 2000, and in June 2003, Mubarak hosted President George W. Bush for another summit on Middle East peace process. Another summit was convened in Sharm El Sheik in early 2005, which was attended by Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan. The former Egyptian Chief of Intelligence, General Omar Suleiman, played a role in negotiations between the Israeli and Palestinian sides.
List of countries which Egypt maintains diplomatic relations with:
# | Country | Date |
---|---|---|
1 | Romania | 1 April 1906[1] |
2 | Serbia | 1 February 1908[2] |
3 | United Kingdom | 19 December 1914[3] |
4 | Finland | 8 April 1922[4] |
5 | Greece | 15 April 1922[5] |
6 | United States | 26 April 1922[6] |
7 | Italy | 30 April 1922[7] |
8 | Spain | 9 May 1922[8] |
9 | Belgium | 10 May 1922[9] |
10 | France | 31 May 1922[10][11] |
11 | Denmark | 1 June 1922[12] |
12 | Czech Republic | 1 November 1922[13] |
13 | Netherlands | 16 November 1922[14] |
14 | Sweden | 25 November 1922[15] |
15 | Japan | 1922[16] |
16 | Brazil | 27 February 1924[17][18] |
17 | Turkey | 8 May 1925[19] |
18 | Portugal | 25 June 1925[20] |
19 | Bulgaria | 5 November 1925[21] |
20 | Ethiopia | 1927[22] |
21 | Poland | 1927[23] |
22 | Afghanistan | 10 March 1928[24] |
23 | Chile | 5 July 1929[25] |
24 | Austria | 1929[26] |
25 | Uruguay | 25 February 1932[27] |
26 | Switzerland | 11 March 1935[28] |
27 | Luxembourg | 14 November 1935[29] |
28 | Norway | 25 April 1936[30] |
29 | Saudi Arabia | 7 May 1936[31] |
— | Iran (suspended) | 1939[32][33] |
30 | Russia | 26 August 1943[34] |
31 | Lebanon | 30 November 1944[35] |
32 | Syria | 1944[36] |
33 | Philippines | 3 March 1946[37] |
34 | Yemen | 11 April 1946[38] |
35 | Jordan | 28 May 1947[39] |
36 | Argentina | 9 June 1947[40] |
37 | Indonesia | 10 June 1947[41] |
38 | India | 18 August 1947[42] |
— | Holy See | 23 August 1947[43] |
39 | Pakistan | 20 October 1947[44] |
— | State of Palestine | 1948[45] |
40 | Cuba | 5 September 1949[46] |
41 | Australia | 9 March 1950[47] |
42 | Venezuela | 16 November 1950[48] |
43 | Germany | 16 October 1952[49] |
44 | Algeria | 1952[50] |
45 | Cambodia | 30 March 1953[51] |
46 | Myanmar | 8 August 1953[52] |
47 | Libya | 3 September 1953[53] |
48 | Canada | 28 July 1954[54] |
49 | Thailand | 27 September 1954[55] |
50 | Hungary | 13 October 1954[56] |
51 | Sudan | 4 January 1956[57][58] |
52 | Albania | 14 March 1956[59] |
53 | China | 30 May 1956[60] |
54 | Tunisia | 1956[61] |
55 | Colombia | 23 January 1957[62] |
56 | Morocco | 4 May 1957[63] |
57 | Nepal | 16 July 1957[64] |
58 | Sri Lanka | 24 October 1957[65] |
59 | Liberia | 1957[66] |
60 | Malaysia | 1957[67] |
61 | Panama | 21 February 1958[68] |
62 | Mexico | 31 March 1958[69] |
63 | Bolivia | 9 November 1959[70] |
64 | Guinea | 1959[71] |
65 | Paraguay | 1959[72] |
66 | Senegal | 4 April 1960[73] |
67 | Democratic Republic of the Congo | 30 June 1960[74] |
68 | Somalia | 8 July 1960[75] |
69 | Togo | 20 September 1960[76] |
70 | Cyprus | 25 October 1960[77] |
71 | Ecuador | 8 November 1960[78] |
72 | Haiti | 30 November 1960[79] |
73 | Dominican Republic | 30 December 1960[80] |
74 | Cameroon | 7 January 1961[81] |
75 | Mali | 10 January 1961[82] |
76 | Sierra Leone | 27 April 1961[83] |
77 | Burkina Faso | 23 September 1961[84][85] |
78 | Kuwait | 2 December 1961[86] |
79 | Nigeria | 1961[87] |
80 | Tanzania | 14 November 1962[88] |
81 | Mongolia | 2 April 1963[89] |
82 | Niger | 7 July 1963[90] |
83 | North Korea | 24 August 1963[91] |
84 | Vietnam | 1 September 1963[92] |
85 | Peru | 7 October 1963[93] |
86 | Kenya | 7 March 1964[94] |
87 | Trinidad and Tobago | 22 March 1964[95] |
88 | Uganda | 27 May 1964[96] |
89 | Jamaica | 10 June 1964[97] |
90 | Republic of the Congo | 28 July 1964[98] |
91 | Mauritania | 21 October 1964[99] |
92 | Malawi | 25 November 1964[100] |
93 | Burundi | 8 December 1964[101] |
94 | Benin | 15 December 1964[102] |
95 | Ivory Coast | 15 December 1964[102] |
96 | Zambia | 15 December 1964[102] |
97 | Costa Rica | 1964[103] |
98 | El Salvador | 1964[104] |
99 | Malta | 2 November 1965[105] |
100 | Gambia | 31 January 1966[106] |
101 | Singapore | 22 November 1966[107] |
102 | Iceland | 20 May 1968[108] |
103 | Equatorial Guinea | 12 October 1968[109] |
104 | Maldives | 12 February 1969[110] |
105 | Central African Republic | 2 July 1969[111] |
106 | New Zealand | 13 February 1970[112] |
107 | Madagascar | 23 February 1970[113] |
108 | Mauritius | 26 March 1970[114] |
109 | Guatemala | 7 September 1970[115] |
110 | Chad | September 1970[116] |
111 | Rwanda | 10 February 1971[117] |
112 | Guyana | 10 September 1971[118] |
113 | Qatar | 1 November 1971[119] |
114 | Fiji | 5 May 1972[120] |
115 | Bahrain | 5 June 1972[121] |
116 | United Arab Emirates | 26 October 1972[122] |
117 | Oman | 27 November 1972[123] |
118 | Botswana | 7 March 1973[124] |
119 | Gabon | 9 April 1973[125] |
120 | Lesotho | 31 May 1973[126] |
121 | Bangladesh | 15 September 1973[127] |
122 | Eswatini | 20 November 1973[128] |
123 | Guinea-Bissau | 11 June 1974[129] |
124 | Ireland | 12 December 1974[130] |
125 | Mozambique | 25 June 1975[131] |
126 | Angola | 18 February 1976[132] |
127 | São Tomé and Príncipe | March 1976[133] |
128 | Papua New Guinea | 20 April 1976[134] |
129 | Comoros | 28 June 1976[135] |
130 | Seychelles | 14 July 1976[136] |
131 | Grenada | 14 September 1976[137] |
132 | Cape Verde | 19 October 1976[138] |
133 | Laos | November 1976[139] |
134 | Suriname | 23 February 1977[140] |
135 | Djibouti | 22 July 1977[141] |
136 | Samoa | 8 September 1978[142] |
137 | Nicaragua | 11 September 1978[143] |
138 | Israel | 26 March 1979[144] |
139 | Zimbabwe | 23 April 1980[145] |
— | Sovereign Military Order of Malta | 1980[146] |
140 | Brunei | 2 May 1984[147] |
141 | San Marino | 27 April 1989[148] |
142 | Namibia | 20 May 1990[149] |
143 | Estonia | 2 January 1992[150] |
144 | Kyrgyzstan | 9 January 1992[151] |
145 | Lithuania | 22 January 1992[152] |
146 | Latvia | 23 January 1992[153] |
147 | Uzbekistan | 23 January 1992[154] |
148 | Ukraine | 25 January 1992[155] |
149 | Belarus | 1 February 1992[156] |
150 | Moldova | 13 February 1992[157] |
151 | Kazakhstan | 6 March 1992[158] |
152 | Armenia | 9 March 1992[159] |
153 | Azerbaijan | 27 March 1992[160] |
154 | Slovenia | 30 April 1992[161] |
155 | Marshall Islands | 2 May 1992[162] |
156 | Georgia | 11 May 1992[163] |
157 | Croatia | 1 October 1992[164] |
158 | Slovakia | 1 January 1993[165] |
159 | Turkmenistan | 3 February 1993[166] |
160 | Tajikistan | 1 April 1993[167] |
161 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 17 April 1993[168] |
162 | Eritrea | 9 August 1993[169] |
163 | South Africa | 29 April 1994[170] |
164 | Belize | 6 May 1994[171] |
165 | North Macedonia | 14 November 1994[172] |
166 | South Korea | 13 April 1995[173] |
167 | Andorra | 25 February 1997[171] |
168 | Liechtenstein | 17 October 2005[174] |
169 | East Timor | 13 April 2006[175] |
170 | Montenegro | 27 September 2006[176] |
171 | Barbados | 3 November 2006[177] |
172 | Monaco | 31 May 2007[178] |
173 | Antigua and Barbuda | 7 July 2010[171] |
174 | Dominica | 7 July 2010[171] |
175 | Saint Lucia | 19 July 2010[171] |
176 | Kiribati | 25 September 2010[179] |
177 | Federated States of Micronesia | 25 September 2010[180] |
178 | Nauru | 25 September 2010[181] |
179 | Palau | 25 September 2010[182] |
180 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 16 November 2010[183] |
181 | Solomon Islands | 23 December 2010[184] |
182 | Tuvalu | 23 December 2010[185] |
183 | South Sudan | 9 July 2011[186] |
184 | Vanuatu | 22 September 2011[187] |
185 | Bhutan | 14 November 2012[188] |
186 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 21 September 2021[189] |
187 | Bahamas | Unknown |
188 | Ghana | Unknown |
189 | Honduras | Unknown |
190 | Iraq | Unknown |
In the 21st-century Egypt has encountered a major problem with immigration, as millions of Africans attempt to enter Egypt fleeing poverty and war. Border control methods can be "harsh, sometimes lethal." This has strained relations with Egypt's southern neighbors, and with Israel and the members of the EU as these immigrants attempt to move on to wealthier countries.[190]
The dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has become a national preoccupation in both countries.[191][192] Egypt sees the dam as an existential threat, fearing that the dam will reduce the amount of water it receives from the Nile.[193] Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said: "Survival is not a question of choice, but an imperative of nature."[194]
Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
---|---|---|
Algeria | See Algeria–Egypt relations | |
Angola | 18 February 1976 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 February 1976[132]
|
Democratic Republic of the Congo | 30 June 1960 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 June 1960[195]
|
Djibouti | 22 July 1977 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 22 July 1977, when the first Ambassador of Egypt to Djibouti, Mohamed Samy Heiba, presented his credentials to President Hassan Gouled Aptidon.[196]
|
Ethiopia | See Egypt–Ethiopia relations
| |
Guinea-Bissau | 11 June 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 June 1974[129]
|
Kenya | See Egypt–Kenya relations
| |
Libya | 3 September 1953 | See Egypt–Libya relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 September 1953 when first Libyan Minister to Egypt Ibrahim El-Senoussi present his credentials to General Naguib.[200] |
Mauritania | 21 October 1964 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 21 October 1964 when UAR (Egypt) officially recognized the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.[99] |
Morocco | See Egypt–Morocco relations
| |
Nigeria |
| |
Rwanda | 10 February 1971 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 February 1971[201]
|
Senegal |
| |
Somalia | See Egypt–Somalia relations
| |
South Africa | 1942 | See Egypt–South Africa relations
|
Sudan | 4 January 1956 | See Egypt–Sudan relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 4 January 1956 when first ambassador of Egypt to Sudan general Mahmoud Seif El-Yazal Khalifa presented his letters of credentials.[57][58]
|
South Sudan | 9 July 2011 | See Egypt–South Sudan relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 July 2011[203]
|
Tanzania | 14 November 1962 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 November 1962 when Mr. Mustafa F. El-Essawi has been accredited as Ambassador of United Arab Republic (Egypt) to Tanganyika with residence in Dar es Salaam.[88]
|
Tunisia |
| |
Zimbabwe | 23 April 1980 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 April 1980.[145]
|
Country | Formal relations established | Notes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Argentina | 9 June 1947 | See Argentina–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 June 1947[40]
| ||
Brazil | 27 February 1924 | See Brazil–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 February 1924.[206]
| ||
Canada | 28 July 1954 | See Canada–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 July 1954[208] Both countries established embassies in their respective capitals in 1954. | ||
Chile | 1929 | Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1929[211]
| ||
Colombia | 23 January 1957 | See Colombia–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 23 January 1957[62]
| ||
Cuba | 5 September 1949 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 September 1949[46]
| ||
Mexico | 31 March 1958 | See Egypt–Mexico relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 March 1958[212]
| ||
Peru | 7 October 1963 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 October 1963.[214]
| ||
United States | 26 April 1922 | See Egypt–United States relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 April 1922[215] After the Yom Kippur War, Egyptian foreign policy began to shift as a result of the change in Egypt's leadership from President Gamal Abdel-Nasser to Anwar Sadat and the emerging peace process between Egypt and Israel. Sadat realized that reaching a settlement of the Arab–Israeli conflict is a precondition for Egyptian development. To achieve this goal, Sadat ventured to enhance US–Egyptian relations to foster a peace process with Israel. After a seven-year hiatus, both countries reestablished normal diplomatic relations on February 28, 1974. Military cooperation[edit]Following the peace treaty with Israel, between 1979 and 2003, the US has provided Egypt with about $19 billion in military aid, making Egypt the second largest non-NATO recipient of US military aid after Israel. Also, Egypt received about $30 billion in economic aid within the same time frame. In 2009, the US provided a military assistance of US$1.3 billion (inflation adjusted US$ 1.85 billion in 2024), and an economic assistance of US$250 million (inflation adjusted US$ 355 million in 2024). In 1989 both Egypt and Israel became a Major non-NATO ally of the United States. Military cooperation between the US and Egypt is probably the strongest aspect of their strategic partnership. General Anthony Zinni, the former Commandant of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), once said, "Egypt is the most important country in my area of responsibility because of the access it gives me to the region." Egypt was also described during the Clinton Administration as the most prominent player in the Arab world and a key US ally in the Middle East. US military assistance to Egypt was considered part of the administration's strategy to maintaining continued availability of Persian Gulf energy resources and to secure the Suez Canal, which serves both as an important international oil route and as critical route for US warships transiting between the Mediterranean and either the Indian Ocean or the Persian Gulf. The Egyptian military provides indirect support for the foreign policy of Egypt in the region. Egypt is the strongest military power on the African continent, and the whole Southwest Asia.[216] Egypt is one of the strongest militaries in the Mediterranean.[216] War on Terror[edit]Despite differences and periods of friction in relations between the two countries, the US-Egyptian relations under Mubarak have evolved moving beyond the Middle East peace process towards an independent bilateral friendship. It was in the US interest that Egypt was able to present moderate voice in Arab councils and persuade other Arab states to join the peace process and to normalize their relations with the US. However lately Egyptian-American relations have become a little tense. This is due to a great extent to the Egyptian unwillingness to send troops to Afghanistan and Iraq in peace stabilization missions. Egypt strongly backed the US in its war against international terrorism after the September 11 attacks, but refused to send troops to Afghanistan during the war and after it. Egypt also opposed US military intervention of March 2003 in Iraq, continued to oppose US occupation of the country after the war and further refused to comply with US requests to send troops to the country even under a UN umbrella. The issue of participation in the post-war construction efforts in Iraq has been controversial in Egypt and in the Arab world as a whole. Opponents say that the war was illegal and it is necessary to wait until Iraq has legal representative government to deal with it. On the other hand, supporters of participation argued that the responsibility to protect Iraqis and to help them in time of crisis should prevail and guide the Egyptian action in Iraq, despite the fact that the Iraqis do not agree. Post-Mubarak relations with U.S.[edit]
On January 21, 2012, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood's son, Sam, was detained by the Egyptian government and not allowed to leave the country as part of a politically charged criminal investigation by the Egyptian government into the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) monitoring local elections in Egypt. LaHood's son is the Egypt director of the International Republican Institute. The Egyptian government has detained twelve NGO representatives from leaving Egypt.[217] On February 5, 2012, Egyptian authorities charged LaHood's son and 42 other individuals with "spending money from organizations that were operating in Egypt without a license." Nineteen Americans are part of the 42 charged. The U.S. government has made it clear that $1.5 billion in U.S. aid to Egypt could be withheld if the investigation is not finished quickly. Faiza Abu Naga, Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation, is seen as the person pushing the investigation forward, straining U.S. and Egypt relations.[218] On 7 October 2020, in line with Egypt's Vision 2030, US Agency for International Development (USAID) and Egypt's Ministry of International Cooperation signed an agreement to add $22.8 million to the five-year Inclusive Economic Governance bilateral assistance agreement. The funding was intended to improve the investment environment and empower women to join the labor force.[219]
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Afghanistan | 10 May 1928 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 May 1928 when has been signed Treaty of Friendship between Afghanistan and Egypt.[24]
|
Armenia | 9 March 1992 | See Armenia–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 March 1992[222]
|
Azerbaijan | 27 March 1992 | |
Bahrain | 5 June 1972 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 June 1972.[225]
|
Bangladesh | 15 September 1973 | See Bangladesh-Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 15 September 1973.[127]
Egypt was one of the first Arab states to recognize Bangladesh's independence.[226] President Anwar Al Sadat enjoyed a close rapport with Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In 1973, Egypt gifted 30 tanks to the Bangladesh Army. Both nations are members of the OIC and the Developing 8 Countries, and identified among the Next Eleven economies. Present-day relations are characterized by a growing trade and economic relationship. |
China | 30 May 1956 | See China–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 May 1956[60] |
Georgia | 11 May 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 May 1992[227]
|
India | 18 August 1947 | See Egypt–India relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 18 August 1947[229] Modern Egypt-India relations go back to the contacts between Saad Zaghloul and Mohandas Gandhi on the common goals of their respective movements of independence. In 1955, Egypt under Gamal Abdul Nasser and India under Jawaharlal Nehru became the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement. During the 1956 War, Nehru stood supporting Egypt to the point of threatening to withdraw his country from the Commonwealth of Nations. In 1967, following the Six-Day War, India supported Egypt and the Arabs. In 1977, New Delhi described the visit of President Anwar al-Sadat to Jerusalem as a "brave" move and considered the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel a primary step on the path of a just settlement of the Middle East problem. Major Egyptian exports to India include raw cotton, raw and manufactured fertilizers, oil and oil products, organic and non-organic chemicals, leather and iron products. Major imports into Egypt from India are cotton yarn, sesame, coffee, herbs, tobacco and lentils. The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum is also currently negotiating the establishment of a natural gas-operated fertilizer plant with another Indian company. In 2004 the Gas Authority of India Limited, bought 15% of Egypt Nat Gas distribution and marketing company. In 2008 Egyptian investment in India was worth some 750 million dollars, according to the Egyptian ambassador.[230] President Mubarak of Egypt visited India in 2008. During the visit he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.[231] In 2023 India has invited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the chief guest of the 74th Republic Day parade.[232] Also Representing the main branches of the Egyptian armed forces, 144 soldiers participated in the parade.[233] |
Indonesia | 10 June 1947 | See Egypt–Indonesia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 June 1947.[234]
|
Iran | 1939
(Diplomatic relations severed 1980) |
See Egypt–Iran relations
In 1939, diplomatic relations between Egypt and Iran were upgraded to ambassadorial level, and Youssef Zulficar Pasha was appointed as Egypt's first ambassador in Tehran. In the same year, Princess Fawzia of Egypt, the sister of King Farouk I, married Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the then crown prince (later shah) of Iran. However, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Egypt's relations with Iran have been mostly strained. Egypt is the only Arab country not to have an embassy in Iran.[235] Contentious issues include Egypt's signing of the Camp David Accords with Israel in 1979, its support for Iraq in Iran's eight-year conflict, the Islamic Republic's hailing of Khalid Islambouli, the late President Anwar Sadat's assassin as a religious hero, seeing as there was both a street and mural named after him (however, the honorer was changed to Muhammad al-Durrah, the 12-year-old Palestinian boy shot and killed during the outset of the Second Intifada), and close Egyptian relations with the United States, and most of the Western European countries. In 2007, relations between the two have thawed in the fields of diplomacy and economic trade, only to collapse during the Gaza War (2008–09) when the Iranian and Egyptian politicians exchanged blames over inaction towards the escalation. Despite wavering tensions between Tehran and Cairo, the two countries are members of the OIC and the Developing 8 In 2010, leaked diplomatic cables revealed that Mubarak expressed animosity toward Iran in private meetings, saying the Iranian leaders are "big, fat liars", and that Iran's backing of terrorism is "well-known".[236] According to one American report, Mubarak views Iran as the primary long-term challenge facing Egypt, and an Egyptian official said that Iran is running agents inside Egypt in an effort to subvert the Egyptian regime. he also stated that if Iran will reach a nuclear weapons, Egypt will also consider reaching such weapons.[237] |
Iraq | See Egypt-Iraq relations
Since 1983, Iraq has repeatedly called for restoration of Egypt's "natural role" among Arab countries. In January 1984, Iraq successfully led Arab efforts within the OIC to restore Egypt's membership. However, Iraqi-Egyptian relations were broken in 1990 after Egypt joined the UN coalition that forced Iraq out of Kuwait. Relations have steadily improved in recent years, and Egypt is now one of Iraq's main trade partners (formerly under the Oil-for-Food Programme). | |
Israel | 26 January 1980 | See Egypt–Israel relations
The state of war between both countries which dated back from the 1948 Arab–Israeli War ended in 1973 with the Egypt–Israel peace treaty a year after the Camp David Accords. Since then, relations have improved. Being a pioneer of peace making in the region and driven from its belief that a peaceful Middle East is the best solution for the development of Egypt, the third Egyptian President Anwar Sadat's groundbreaking trip to Israel in 1977, the 1978 Camp David Accords, and the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty represented a fundamental shift in the politics of the region; from a strategy of confrontation to one of peace as a strategic choice. Egypt was subsequently ostracized by other Arab states and ejected from the Arab League from 1979 to 1989. However, due to circumstances of today's Israeli–Palestinian conflict, full normalization of relations between these two countries is still halted and sometimes fought against in both countries. The Egyptian ambassador to Tel Aviv is often withdrawn, and the peace has been called a cool peace due to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. |
Japan | 1922 | See Egypt-Japan relations
Egypt-Japan relations are described by the Egyptian ambassador to Japan as a "very strong friendship",[238] with embassies mutually established.[239] At present, the two nations maintain a cordial relationship with strong economic and trade relations.[240]
|
Jordan | 28 May 1947 | See Egypt-Jordan relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 28 May 1947 when Mohamed Bey Yassin, Egyptian Minister in Transjordan with residence in Baghdad presented his credentials.[241] On April 6, 1972, the Egyptian government severed relations in protest for a Jordanian plan for federation with the West Bank, which didn't take PLO interests unto considerations. These relations were restored on September 11, 1973.[242] They were severed again in 1979, this time by the Jordanian government, in protest for the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty. Following the outbreak of the Lebanon War of 1982, the US government put pressure on both governments to reach accommodation for the purpose of formulating a joint peace strategy vis-a-vis the Israeli government,[243] and relations were restored on September 25, 1984.
|
Kazakhstan | 6 March 1992 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 6 March 1992.[244]
In 2006, President Mubarak of Egypt visited Kazakhstan on the third leg of a three-country tour. During the visit he met with Kazakh President Nazarbayev. Mubarak stated that 30 trade and economic cooperation agreements had been concluded between the two countries.[245] |
Kuwait | 2 December 1961 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 December 1961[86]
|
Lebanon | 30 November 1944 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 November 1944 when was opened Legation of Lebanon in Cairo.[246]
|
Malaysia | 1957[247] | See Egypt–Malaysia relations
|
Mongolia | 2 April 1963 | See Egypt–Mongolia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 April 1963[248] Cairo currently hosts Mongolia's only embassy on the African continent.[249][250] |
Oman |
| |
Pakistan | 20 October 1947 | See Egypt–Pakistan relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 20 October 1947 when the Egyptian Government has agreed to the establishment of a Pakistan Embassy in Cairo and to the appointment Mr. J. A. Rahim as Chargé d'Affaires.[251] Pakistan and Egypt have diplomatic and trade relations. Both countries are members of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), "the Next Eleven" and the "D8". Relations between the two countries were established after Pakistan was established. Pakistan President General Muhammad Ayub Khan, visited Egypt in 1959 and Egyptian President Gamal Abdul Nasser visited Pakistan in 1960.[citation needed]
|
Palestine | See Egypt–Palestine relations | |
Philippines | 1955-01-18 | See Egypt–Philippines relations
|
Qatar | 1 November 1971 | See Egypt-Qatar relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 November 1971[119] Lately, relations have not been at its best. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, has described the 2013 political transition in Egypt as a "military coup".[252] It is worth mentioning that the main problem between the two governments is the Qatari support to the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.[252] The Egyptian government, along with those of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, broke off diplomatic relations with Qatar on 5 June 2017. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry announced it was closing its air and sea ports to Qatari transportation. The Egyptian, Saudi, Bahraini, and Emirati governments cited Qatar's continuing support for "terrorism", such as the Muslim Brotherhood.[253] Islam Hassan argues "Egypt has had troubled relations with Qatar for many years, except of Mohamed Morsi's period in power. The Egyptian government has seen Qatar as a source of instability. TheEgyptian regime also sees that Qatar challenges its rule by financing the Muslim Brotherhood, and other organizations, which the regime has outlawed and consider terrorist organizations. Thus, the Egyptian regime has been trying to push back on Qatar by any means. The current issue between the Saudi bloc and Qatar seemed to be an opportunity to put pressure on Qatar to stop financing the Muslim Brotherhood, its affiliates, and supporters, and to support the Sisi regime."[254][255] |
Saudi Arabia | 7 May 1936 | See Egypt–Saudi Arabia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 7 May 1936 when was signed a Treaty by Egypt and Saudi Arabia in Cairo which included Egypt's recognition of Saudi Arabia as an independent and sovereign state.[256] |
South Korea | 13 April 1995 | See Egypt–South Korea relations
|
Thailand | 27 September 1954 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 27 September 1954[55] |
Turkey | 8 May 1925 | See also Egypt–Turkey relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 8 May 1925.[19]
|
United Arab Emirates | 10 January 1972 | See Egypt-United Arab Emirates relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 10 January 1972.[265] |
Vietnam | 1 September 1963 | |
Yemen | 11 April 1946 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 April 1946[38] |
European Union relations with Egypt are based on a partnership relation within the Euro – Mediterranean and Middle East area, which is of vital strategic importance and a key external relations priority for the EU.
The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership launched at the 1995 Barcelona Conference between the European Union and its originally 12 Mediterranean Partners: Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, and the Palestinian Authority. Libya currently has observer status at certain meetings. Since the enlargement, in May 2004 and January 2007, the co-operation and needs covers 35 countries, the EU of 27, including Cyprus and Malta and the 10 Mediterranean Partners.
Egypt has also taken an active role regarding Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, such as its participation in the technical meeting of which it was the speaker for the Arab group. Additionally, the first meeting of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary assembly was co-chaired by an Egyptian.
Egypt has been one of the leading recipients among the Mediterranean partners in terms of total funds received from the MEDA programme, the principal financial instrument of the European Union for the implementation of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. It is focused on policy-led, national structural reform and liberalisation programmes with a sector-wide approach.
The EU is Egypt's biggest trading partner currently accounting for 42% of Egyptian exports and 37% of imports, with the balance of trade still in the EU's favour. Trade between the EU and Egypt has risen by more than 5% in the last five years to reach around 11.6 billion euro in 2004. Egypt's main exports to the EU in 2004 were energy (39%), textiles and clothing (15%), agricultural products (9%), and chemicals (5%). Major imports from the EU were power generating machinery (21%), chemicals (16%), transport equipment (16%), and food and agricultural products (10%). Egypt has a serious but improving trade deficit that has put considerable pressure on the Egyptian pound.
Trade relations with the EU are good although there are several outstanding trade and phyto-sanitary issues. These range from specific market access issues and difficulties for businesses facing a highly regulated and complex system through to restrictions in the export of agricultural goods (potatoes) and fishery products because they do not conform with EU quality norms.
Egypt is included in the European Union's European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) which aims at bringing the EU and its neighbours closer.
Some time after the starting of the Arab Spring, in March 2011 the European Union adopted the joint declaration ' A partnership for democracy and shared prosperity with the Southern Mediterranean', aimed at making a number of initiatives in the field of civic society support, financial assistance and further access to the EU market dependent upon advancement in the democratization process.[267]
As far as Egypt was concerned this declaration envisioned the further deepening of the previous Free Trade Agreement stipulated in 2004, geared towards the inclusion of areas such as trade in services, government procurement, competition, intellectual property rights, and investment protection. To the 2011 declaration, a preliminary phase of the negotiations followed in June 2013, when the EU and Egypt began an exploratory dialogue on how to deepen trade and investment relations, in particular through the possible negotiation of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA).[268]
In August 2014, the European Union discussed the possibility of revising provision of aid to Egypt.[269] However, divisions over the appropriate stance to adopt among European diplomats persisted, coupled by the fear that the vacuum might be soon filled by other actors, following a Saudi Foreign Minister's declaration that the Kingdom was ready to step in[270] and those of Prime Minister Hazem al Beblawi about the possibility to appeal to Russia for foreign aid.[271] Therefore, the only measure upon which the Foreign Ministers agreed was to suspend the sale of arms and materials that could be used for repression,[270] but fell short to halt aid program which could damage civil society.
Earlier in July 2013, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton had visited Egypt in an attempt to promote reconciliation among the parties involved. She is credited for being the only foreign diplomat to get access to deposed president Mohamed Morsi.[272] In an official statement released at the end of a following visit held in April 2014, the Representative raised the issue of the death penalties and incarceration of journalists and activists.[273] At the same time, her later declarations about el-Sisi's bid for presidential candidacy as "difficult" but "brave"[274] sparked harsh criticism among supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, who claimed the Representative, who advanced logistical reasons, did not make any efforts to get in touch with them and members of their Anti-Coup Alliance.[275]
In April 2014, the European Union agreed to conduct electoral monitoring, for the first time, in occasion of the Presidential elections scheduled for 26/27 May 2014. Other organizations declined to join, as in their opinion this would legitimize what they called an unlawful take on power.[276]
A contract for the sale of 30 Rafale fighter jets was signed between the defense ministries of Egypt and France in May 2021. The official value of the contract was not disclosed at first and was later exposed to be worth 3.75 billion euro or $4.5 billion, by an investigative website called Disclose. In December 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron received criticism for not controlling the sale of weapons to Egypt on its poor human rights record, stating counter-terrorism concerns. The Egyptian defense ministry cited that the deal would be supported via a 10-year loan without disclosing its value or any further details. Rights organizations have denounced the deal and accused the French president of overlooking the increasing violation of freedom in Egypt under the regime of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. France's armed forces, finance, and foreign ministries were unavailable for comment. However, French officials claim that Paris, under one of its policies, is avoiding criticism of countries on their human rights records to work with them effectively in private.[277]
On 3 February 2022, around 175 Members of European Parliament wrote a joint letter to foreign ministers and ambassadors to the UN Human Rights Council and requested them to secure the establishment of a UN human rights monitoring and reporting mechanism on Egypt. The MEPs were concerned that despite devastating human rights crisis in Egypt, the international communities persistently failed to take any meaningful action to address the situation. The Egyptian authorities, under President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, have "brutally and systematically" repressed all forms of dissent and severely curtailed civic space.[278]
Country | Formal relations established | Notes |
---|---|---|
Albania | 14 March 1956 | See Albania–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 March 1956[59] |
Austria |
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Belgium |
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Bulgaria | 5 November 1925 | See Bulgaria–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 November 1925[281] |
Croatia | 1 October 1992 | See Croatia–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 October 1992[283]
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Cyprus | See Cyprus–Egypt relations
Diplomatic relations between both countries were established soon after Cyprus gained its independence in 1960.
During an April 2009 meeting at ministerial level, the countries explored ways to develop closer ties, with plans for increased collaboration both on tourism and energy related activities. There has been talk of Cyprus increasing her imports of natural gas, Egypt using Cyprus as a bridge for exports to Europe and on prospects for the training of Cypriot engineers by their Egyptian counterparts on techniques for the extraction of oil and natural gas.[284] | |
Czech Republic |
| |
Denmark | 1 June 1922 | See Denmark–Egypt relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 1 June 1922 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Denmark to Egypt Mr. G. H. Ryan de Treschow.[12]
|
Finland | 15 February 1947 |
|
France | 31 May 1922 | See Egypt–France relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 31 May 1922 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of France to Egypt Henri Gaillard and open Legation (Embassy) of France in Egypt.[10][11]
|
Germany | 1957-12[288] | See Egypt–Germany relations |
Greece | August 1833[289] | See Egypt-Greece relations
Both countries share relations since the years BC Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece Since the creation of Alexandria by Alexander the Great, Egypt has had a sizable Greek community, mostly centered around Alexandria, which is today Egypt's second largest city and also the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria. In the modern era, both countries enjoy very good and warm diplomatic relations since 1833 and especially after the Greek War Independence, and both countries have signed several defense cooperation agreements, with the heads of states visiting each other in a regular basis.
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Hungary |
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Ireland | 12 December 1974 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 12 December 1974.[130]
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Italy | 30 April 1922 | See Egypt–Italy relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1922 when has been appointed first Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Italy to Egypt Mr Lazzaro Negrotto Cambiaso.[292] Relations were established during the period of the Roman Empire and Ancient Egypt. However, during World War II, relations were strained as the Italian and German Troops launched a campaign on Egypt but were defeated by Egyptian and British Forces in the battle of El Alamein. However, after the war, relations were re-established and are close.
See also Italian Egyptian |
Kosovo | See Egypt–Kosovo relations
Egypt recognised the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state on 26 June 2013.[293]
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Malta | 2 November 1965 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 2 November 1965[294] |
Netherlands | 16 November 1922 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 16 November 1922 when Mr. J. P. graaf van Limburg Stirum has been accredited as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Netherlands to Egypt.[297]
|
North Macedonia | 14 November 1994 |
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 14 November 1994[298] |
Norway |
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Poland | 1927 | See Egypt–Poland relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1927.[300]
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Portugal | 25 June 1925 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 June 1925[301]
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Romania | 3 April 1926 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 3 April 1926 when the diplomatic representations from Romania and Egypt were raised to the level of Legation.[302] |
Russia | 26 August 1943 | See Egypt–Russia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 26 August 1943[304]
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Serbia | See Egypt-Serbia relations
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Slovenia | 30 April 1992 | See Egypt–Slovenia relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 30 April 1992[306]
|
Spain | 9 May 1922 | See Egypt–Spain relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 9 May 1922 when has been accredited Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Spain to Egypt Mr. Silvio F. Vallin.[8]
|
Sweden | 25 November 1922 | Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 November 1922 when Harald Bildt take up the post of first Swedish Minister to Egypt.[307]
|
Switzerland | 11 March 1935 |
See Egypt-Switzerland relations Both countries established diplomatic relations on 11 March 1935 when Mr. Henri Martin, first Minister of Switzerland to Egypt, presented his letters of credentials.[308]
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Ukraine | 25 January 1992 | See Egypt–Ukraine relations
Both countries established diplomatic relations on 25 January 1992[155]
|
United Kingdom | See Egypt–United Kingdom relations
|
Country | Formal Relations Began | Notes |
---|---|---|
Australia | 1950 | See Australia–Egypt relations |
New Zealand | 1974 | See Egypt–New Zealand relations
|
Egypt played a key role during the 1990-91 Persian Gulf crisis. President Mubarak helped assemble the international coalition and deployed 35,000 Egyptian troops against Iraq to liberate Kuwait. The Egyptian contingent was one of the largest in the coalition forces, along with the U.S., U.K. and Saudi Arabia.
In the aftermath of the Gulf War, Egypt signed the Damascus Declaration with Syria and the Persian Gulf states to strengthen Persian Gulf security. Egypt continues to contribute regularly to United Nations peacekeeping missions, most recently in East Timor, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Egypt, which has itself been the target of terrorist attacks, has been a key supporter of the U.S. war against terrorists and terrorist organizations such as Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda, and has supported the Iraqi Governing Council.
On December 25, 2006, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit called for end to "nuclear double standards" where sanctions are imposed on Iran for enriching uranium, but the Israeli nuclear program is not subject to any control by the International Atomic Energy Agency.[317]
Egypt is member of ABEDA, ACC, ACCT (associate), AfDB, AFESD, AL, AMF, AU, BSEC (observer), CAEU, CTBT, EBRD, ECA, ESCWA, FAO, G-15, G-19, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM, OAPEC, OAS(observer), OAU, OIC, OSCE (partner), PCA, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNMIBH, UNMIK, UNMOP, UNOMIG, UNRWA, UNTAET, UPU, WCO, EFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, and WTrO. Egypt is one of only seven U.N. members which is not a member of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Liste de messieurs les chefs des missions diplomatiques accredites aupres de la Republique de Guinee au 1er Juillet 1959: ... Ambassadeur de la République Arabe - Unie : S. E. M. NAGUIB HAMED EL SADR
République arabe unie ( R.A.U. ) : Ambassade B.P. 546 , Ouagadougou . Chargé d'affaires a.i. M. Abbas Zaki Effat
September 23, 1961 ... The government has appointed Sayed Fahmi Sultan ... to be first ambassador to the Upper Volta.
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