Egyptian ambassador's public hopes for private ties

Egyptian Ambassador to Korea Hazem Zaki said he will prioritize boosting private sector cooperation during his tenure in Seoul, speaking at a reception at the ambassador's residence in Yongsan District marking the 74th anniversary of Egypt's National Day and the 1952 July Revolution on Thursday.

In his first National Day remarks since arriving taking office, Zaki cited the first summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi last November — which coincided with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties — as having "reaffirmed our shared commitment to elevating our comprehensive cooperation and partnership, and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, advanced technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges," adding that el-Sisi is expected to visit Korea later this year.

"It is evident that while Korean companies offer advanced expertise and manufacturing capabilities, Egypt offers a big market and a strategic gateway to the markets of Africa, the Middle East and Europe through its unique geographic location, modern infrastructure and extensive network of free trade agreements," he added, vowing to intensify bilateral cooperation and upscale trade and investment between the two countries.

BY SEO JI-EUN   [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]