In Cairo, focus on peace in the Middle East and new opportunities for cooperation between Slovenia and Egypt

Egypt is Slovenia's most important economic partner in Africa, yet considerable untapped potential remains for cooperation, particularly in logistics and transport, water management, renewable energy, green technologies, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. "Just as Egypt serves as an important gateway to African and Middle Eastern markets, Slovenia can be an effective entry point to Central Europe and the Western Balkans. Connectivity must become one of the pillars of our future economic cooperation," emphasised President Pirc Musar, who is accompanied on the visit by a business delegation. 

The two Presidents devoted a significant part of their talks to the grave situation in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, and efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace. President Pirc Musar highlighted Egypt’s important role in the negotiations to reach a peace agreement for Gaza, and its humanitarian efforts. She expressed particular gratitude for Egypt's support in implementing a project to rehabilitate ten injured Palestinian children in Slovenia. She underlined the urgent need to protect civilians, ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, fully implement the peace plan and realise the two-state solution, which would ensure lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. The two Presidents also exchanged views on other security challenges in the wider region, including the situation in Sudan and Libya and security in the Red Sea. The Slovenian President emphasised the need to place multilateralism and diplomacy back at the heart of international affairs: "The past decade has painfully reminded us that peace cannot be taken for granted, nor can the rules-based international order. Conflict prevention is not only the right course of action, but also a strategic investment. Preventing a conflict is far less demanding in political, financial and, above all, human terms than rebuilding everything that war has destroyed." 

Efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East were also the main topic of the meeting between President Pirc Musar and Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Nabil Fahmy. President Pirc Musar called for closer cooperation between Slovenia and the League of Arab States and stronger political dialogue between the European Union and the Arab world. She also expressed support for the League's efforts to prevent further escalation of conflicts, assist those affected and promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.

The President concluded the first day of her visit by attending a reception for Slovenian business representatives, their Egyptian partners and Slovenians living in Egypt. In her address, she stressed that economic diplomacy is about much more than trade figures, investment and business deals; above all, it is about building trust and forging long-term partnerships. She also expressed her appreciation for the Slovenian community in Egypt, which serves as a valuable bridge between the two countries.