24 January 2017 – Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr recently visited Cairo to meet with his counterpart, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. 

Both officials cited the Philippines and Egypt’s 70-year of diplomatic relations and the strong contribution of Filipinos in Egyptian society.

Secretary Yasay said that his visit is a testimony to the warm relations that exist between the two countries.

The two countries have concluded more than 20 bilateral agreements in various fields, dating back to their signing of a Treaty of Friendship in 1955.  The Philippines and Egypt have exchanged numerous high level visits.

During the meeting at the Foreign Ministry, Secretary Yasay and Minister Shoukry signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Foreign Service Institute of the Philippines and the Institute for Diplomatic Studies of Egypt. The MOU will strengthen institutional linkages between the two diplomatic academies specifically on research and seminars.

In 2015, Egypt was the 67th biggest trading partner of the Philippines, with total trade at USD18 million.  From January to September 2016, bilateral trade stood at USD19.19 million.  Philippine exports to Egypt include electronics and semiconductors, garments and food products while imports include light petroleum oils and garments.

In seeking to expand economic as well as political links with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Egypt acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in 2016. END