An Exclusive Conversation with Egypt’s Ambassador to Pakistan
This conversation is part of a special series by The Diplomatic Insight and our digital platform DiploTV, through which we engage with distinguished leaders from international organizations, government, and the development sector to spotlight individuals and institutions advancing Pakistan’s global engagements and partnerships.
We are pleased to present this exclusive interview with H.E. Dr. Ihab Abdelhamid, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Pakistan:
Egypt and Pakistan share a historic and enduring relationship founded on mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation across diverse sectors including diplomacy, education, trade, and multilateral engagement. This feature not only celebrates this longstanding friendship but also reflects on the evolving nature of Egypt-Pakistan ties in today’s dynamic geopolitical landscape.
TDI: Your Excellency, could you briefly share your journey in diplomacy and how your current assignment in Pakistan has shaped your experience so far?
Thank you. I have had the privilege of serving in Egypt’s diplomatic corps for over thirty years, with postings in several capitals across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East— including Yerevan, Doha, Riyadh, Sana’a, and Beijing. Each assignment has offered unique insights into the dynamics of international relations and the importance of building enduring partnerships.
My current posting in Pakistan has been particularly enriching. Egypt and Pakistan share a long-standing relationship rooted in history, culture, and mutual respect. Here in Islamabad, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the depth of this bond—not only at the official level but also through warm, people-to-people connections. The Pakistani people’s hospitality and openness have made my experience deeply rewarding, and it has reinforced my belief in the power of diplomacy to bring nations closer together.
TDI: What values or diplomatic principles have guided you throughout your career, particularly in promoting mutual respect and understanding between nations?
At the heart of my diplomatic career lies a commitment to mutual respect, dialogue, and shared understanding. These principles are not just theoretical—they are the daily tools of diplomacy. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, yet at times divided, diplomacy must be anchored in sincerity, active listening, and a genuine willingness to find common ground.
I believe diplomacy is about more than negotiation—it is about relationship-building. It requires patience, cross-cultural understanding, and an unwavering belief in peaceful solutions. These values have guided me throughout my journey, and I consider them essential for fostering trust and advancing cooperation between nations.
TDI: What has been the most memorable aspect of your tenure in Pakistan so far?
There have been many meaningful moments during my tenure in Pakistan, but one particularly memorable aspect has been Egypt’s active participation in cultural and educational initiatives. Events such as Africa Day celebrations and national day festivals have allowed us to share Egypt’s rich heritage with the Pakistani public and to highlight the deep historical and cultural connections between our two countries.
What I find particularly rewarding is the continued interest among Pakistanis in Egyptian culture and education. Each year, Egypt welcomes a significant number of Pakistani students on scholarships to study at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, one of the world’s most respected institutions in Islamic studies. In addition, several Egyptian professors—primarily from Al-Azhar—are currently teaching at Pakistani universities, playing a key role in promoting educational and religious exchange.
These academic and cultural ties reflect the human dimension of our bilateral relationship, and they are instrumental in fostering long-term understanding and friendship between our peoples.
TDI: Egypt and Pakistan share a long-standing relationship rooted in history, culture, and shared values. How do you view the current state of bilateral relations? & What are some of the key areas where Egypt and Pakistan are currently cooperating, whether in politics, culture, education, or development?
Egypt and Pakistan share a historic and time-tested relationship grounded in mutual respect, shared cultural values, and close political coordination. Both countries have consistently adopted similar positions on key international issues, advocating for peace, multilateralism, and global justice.
Over the decades, Egypt and Pakistan have stood side by side on major regional and global matters, supporting one another’s initiatives and contributing to efforts aimed at fostering development and stability.
Today, this longstanding partnership continues to grow along a positive trajectory, especially across the economic, cultural, and strategic domains. Politically, our cooperation remains robust and visible in multilateral fora such as the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), where Egypt and Pakistan regularly support each other’s candidacies and policy positions.
At the strategic level, defense and security collaboration constitutes a cornerstone of our bilateral ties. Both countries maintain active military cooperation, including joint exercises such as the Indus Shield multinational training program, and maintain ongoing coordination in counterterrorism efforts.
In the field of public health, Egypt is deeply engaged in supporting Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate Hepatitis C, leveraging its globally recognized expertise in combating the disease. Backed by the highest levels of Egyptian leadership, this cooperation involves transferring Egypt’s diagnostic models, treatment protocols, and technical know-how, which have proven instrumental in Egypt’s own national success. This collaboration reflects a vital and people-centered dimension of our partnership, aimed at achieving lasting impact on public health outcomes.
People-to-people ties also continue to be a pillar of our relationship, particularly through education and cultural exchange. Al-Azhar University remains a prominent symbol of this academic and religious cooperation. Currently, 11 Egyptian professors are teaching in the International Islamic University in Islamabad, contributing to the academic environment and strengthening educational dialogue. In addition, Egypt offers 30 annual scholarships to Pakistani students pursuing Islamic studies. Each year, a growing number of Pakistani students travel to Egypt to study at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, benefiting from its centuries-old scholarly tradition.
In parallel, Egyptian scholars based in Pakistan actively contribute to strengthening inter-societal dialogue and academic collaboration, helping to build bridges of mutual understanding—especially among younger generations. In summary, while our partnership is rooted in deep historical foundations, Egypt and Pakistan are committed to transforming this legacy into a modern, forward-looking relationship—multi-dimensional in scope and grounded in mutual benefit, with a focus on sustainable progress for our both nations.
TDI: How is the Egyptian Embassy working to promote cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding with the people of Pakistan?
Cultural diplomacy is a central pillar of our mission in Islamabad. We strongly believe that real connection between nations is built through shared experiences, language, and appreciation of each other’s heritage.
To that end, the Embassy regularly engages in cultural activities—participating in international festivals, organizing exhibitions, and collaborating with universities and think tanks. For example, during the recent Africa Day celebration, our booth featured Pharaonic statues, banners on Egypt’s historical legacy, and traditional food and music. These events attract wide attention and create a lasting impression of Egypt as both ancient and modern.
TDI: What opportunities do you see for expanding Egypt–Pakistan trade and investment cooperation?
Trade and investment between Egypt and Pakistan hold significant untapped potential. Despite the robust political and historical ties, the bilateral trade volume remains modest, with an annual volume that does not exceed 400 million USD. This figure underscores the need for concerted efforts to enhance economic collaboration.
Egypt serves as a strategic gateway to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, bolstered by the Suez Canal and its trade agreements with multiple regional blocs. Conversely, Pakistan is a burgeoning market with competitive industries in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and surgical tools. The complementarity between the two economies presents opportunities for growth in sectors such as agricultural products, construction materials, IT services, and medical supplies.
To capitalize on these opportunities, initiatives are underway to encourage business delegations, facilitate B2B meetings, and expand cooperation between chambers of commerce. Notably, efforts are being made to establish a cooperation mechanism between the Gwadar Port Authority in Pakistan and the Suez Canal Authority in Egypt. This initiative aims to enhance maritime connectivity, promote knowledge exchange in port management and logistics, and explore joint investment opportunities in infrastructure and trade facilitation.
In September 2023, the Pakistan–Egypt Business Opportunities Conference was held in Cairo, co-organized by the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and the Egyptian Embassy in Islamabad. The event attracted over 200 business leaders from key sectors such as technology, textiles, agriculture, construction, pharmaceuticals, minerals, and tourism.
Furthermore, Egypt hosted the fourth Look Africa Conference, organized by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce in Cairo in January 2024. The conference focused on enhancing trade links between Pakistan and MENA countries, with Egypt playing a central role. In the same vein, the Egyptian Embassy in Islamabad has facilitated a business delegation visit from the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce in Punjab to Egypt, aiming to explore further commercial opportunities.
These endeavors align with Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” strategy, which Egypt supports as a valuable platform to reposition Africa as a key partner for Pakistan. Egypt is committed to being an active and constructive participant in this engagement, striving to transform shared history into a forward-looking, multi-dimensional partnership rooted in mutual benefit and sustainable progress for both nations.
TDI: Lastly, what message would you like to share with our readers—especially young diplomats, scholars, and global citizens—about the importance of building diplomatic bridges between Egypt and Pakistan?
My message to the younger generation—whether diplomats, academics, or engaged citizens—is simple yet profound: diplomacy is ultimately about people, and relationships between nations are sustained by mutual understanding, respect, and shared purpose.
Egypt and Pakistan are bound by deep-rooted ties, but the responsibility of nurturing and expanding this relationship lies with the next generation. I encourage young people from both countries to engage actively through academic exchange, cultural dialogue, joint research, tourism adventures and entrepreneurial collaboration. These connections help build not only stronger bilateral relations, but also a more cooperative and inclusive international community.
Our two countries have much to learn from one another, and it is through direct engagement—human to human—that real bridges are built. In an increasingly complex world, investing in these connections is not just important—it is essential.
TDI: And your message for The Diplomatic Insight
I extend my sincere appreciation to The Diplomatic Insight for its continued commitment to promoting international dialogue and understanding. Your platform plays a vital role in highlighting the work of diplomats and fostering meaningful conversations between nations.
By showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences, you contribute to building a more informed and connected global public. I thank you for shedding light on the longstanding and dynamic relationship between Egypt and Pakistan, and I wish your team continued success in advancing thoughtful diplomacy through the power of storytelling.
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