Pakistan, Egypt agree to boost economic and defence ties after years of stagnation

In a push to revive a relationship that has remained largely inactive for years, Pakistan and Egypt on Sunday agreed to strengthen cooperation across economic, commercial, cultural and defence domains.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who is in Islamabad for a two-day official visit that began on Saturday, met Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar for extensive talks. The discussions covered a broad spectrum of regional and global issues, including the conflicts in Gaza and Sudan, Iran’s nuclear programme and opportunities to expand economic collaboration.

Deputy Prime Minister /Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held in-depth delegation-level talks with Egypt’s FM Dr. Badr Abdelatty today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senior officials from both sides participated.

Both sides reaffirmed commitment to… pic.twitter.com/rluaM6UtM6

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 30, 2025

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Speaking at a joint press briefing, Dar who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister said that the Pakistan-Egypt Joint Ministerial Commission had not convened since 2010, nor had the two nations held bilateral political consultations in that period.

He announced that the political consultations are expected to resume in the first quarter of 2026.

Dar added that both sides agreed to boost trade linkages, and that Pakistan will provide Egypt with a list of 250 business houses to facilitate commercial outreach, with Egypt set to fast-track visas for the Pakistani business community.

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“These businesses will be facilitated and supported to enhance bilateral commercial engagement,” the deputy premier highlighted, adding that after three months, the first list of 250 would be increased to 500.

He announced that a Pakistan-Egypt Business Council will be established after that to institutionalise private sector cooperation and to promote mutually beneficial commercial partnership and buisnes to business promotion between Pakistan and Egypt.

“Once these two steps are done, Pakistan and Egyptian Business Forum will also be established,” Dar stated, adding that it would be co-chaired by the two foreign ministers and its first meeting would be held in Cairo in the second quarter of 2026.

“We agreed to work towards a more structured framework of cooperation and to explore new avenues of partnership,” the deputy premier said.

He also said that Pakistan appreciates Egypt’s vital role in humanitarian support, mediation efforts and diplomatic engagement to uphold the ceasefire and safeguard the rights of the Palestinian people.

Dar said that Egypt also announced the doubling of scholarships this year for Pakistani scholars who wish to study in Al Azhar University.

Abdelatty echoed what Dar said and promised to deepen bilateral ties. “We would like to elevate our relationship to the strategic level,” he said.

He noted that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi had instructed him to further enhance bilateral cooperation with Pakistan and said, “Sky’s the limit for our cooperation.” He also expressed condolences for those killed in terrorist attacks and offered to share the experiences of his country to tackle the menace.

“We stand in full solidarity with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism,” he affirmed. “I would also like to convey our deep appreciation of our very cordial relation with Pakistan,” he said.

He also said that Egypt was willing to reinvigorate the existing institutional mechanism of dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan.

With inputs from agencies