Giza: EgyPulse – News Desk
South Korea’s ambassador to Egypt said on Tuesday that the two countries are celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations, adding that the partnership has “reached a mature stage” and that the next phase will be guided by a vision called R.I.S.E-EKO, focused on renewal, innovation, synergy and excellence in bilateral ties. Speaking at a press briefing at the embassy’s press salon, Ambassador Kim Yonghyon said the anniversary theme is “Celebrating the Past, Creating the Future,” reflecting appreciation for three decades of cooperation and a commitment to further expand the partnership.
Bilateral trade has increased fivefold to reach $3.16bn in 2022, he said, noting that Korean companies such as Samsung and LG manufacture in Egypt for export under the “Made in Egypt” label. According to embassy data, total trade stood at $1.568bn in 2024, compared with $1.966bn in 2023. Cumulative Korean investment in Egypt is around $1bn, with 171 registered companies, including 34 large firms. Top Korean exports to Egypt include automobiles, industrial resins and integrated circuits, while Egypt’s leading exports to Korea are naphtha, liquefied natural gas and waste/scrap.
Yonghyon said his country’s priorities over the next decade include boosting economic cooperation with Egypt, increasing Korean investment in the country, and encouraging Egyptian businesses to establish a presence in South Korea. He also pointed to growing cooperation in the green economy and renewable energy. On regional politics, the ambassador reiterated his country’s support for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing Israeli offensive and for efforts toward a two-state solution, but did not indicate any Korean move toward formal recognition of a Palestinian state in the coming period in response to Daily News Egypt’s question. He praised Egypt’s stance in support of Palestinian rights and its rejection of the displacement of Palestinians from their land. “Egypt is an island of stability surrounded by conflicts,” he noted.
In defence and energy, he said South Korea is moving ahead with the co-production of the K9 howitzer with Hanwha Aerospace, with the first Egypt-made unit expected next year. He noted the participation of KHNP and Doosan Enerbility in Egypt’s El-Dabaa nuclear power project. In transport, he said Hyundai Rotem supplies Cairo Metro trains and is contributing to the modernisation of the Luxor-Nag Hammadi railway signalling system and the Alexandria tram project, with plans to co-produce metro trains in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Turning to domestic politics, Yonghyon said the new South Korean administration led by Lee Jae-myung, which took office on June 4, “embodies the resilience of Korean democracy.” He emphasized that foreign policy will focus on “pragmatism based on national interest and practical multilateralism,” which will be reflected in cooperation with Egypt.
The R.I.S.E-EKO vision, the ambassador explained, entails renewing the commitment to deepen ties, innovating cooperation in advanced technologies, creating synergy across culture, business, and education, and striving for excellence in implementing joint projects. To mark the 30th anniversary, he announced a programme of events, including a special exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo from September 11 to 28 titled “Ham (함),” and a gala concert at the Cairo Opera House on September 12 by Korean soprano Sumi Jo with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and Egyptian performers including Reda El Wakil and Amr Medhat.
He added that on September 30, the embassy will co-host the Korea–Egypt Economic Partnership Conference with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA). A “Korea Week” will run from October 1 to 9, featuring a tourism promotion seminar, a Samulnori performance at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, and the Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo Tournament at Cairo International Stadium, with an opening show by the Kukkiwon demonstration team. On development cooperation, Yonghyon said South Korea’s official development assistance to Egypt between 1987 and 2023 totalled about $350m, including roughly $100m via KOICA, covering projects in education, transport, and digital transformation.
He added that people-to-people exchange is growing, with 42,177 South Korean visitors to Egypt in 2024, alongside the expansion of Korean cultural platforms such as the King Sejong Institute for Korean-language education. The ambassador concluded that the celebrations are “not mere formalities but a reflection of deep friendship, mutual respect and shared aspirations,” inviting the public in Egypt to take part in the events and “help write the next chapter of relations between the two countries.”
