Korea chooses Egypt as its ODA priority partner country

CAIRO - 20 May 2021: Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Egypt, H.E. Hong Jin-wook met with H.E. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of international cooperation on May 19 and exchanged opinions on ROK’s recent decision to add Egypt in the list of ODA priority partner countries and the ways to expand and promote systematic development cooperation through ODA country partnership strategy (CPS), which will be drawn up in the coming months.

Ambassador Hong informed that the Korean Government designated Egypt as an ODA priority partner country during the year 2021-2025, expressing his expectation for the massive expansion of the development cooperation between the two countries. He explained that Egypt is a country of great potential with young capable manpower and is already a strategic hub for the Korean business entities in Africa, the Middle East and Europe, that is why Korea designated Egypt as the only ODA priority partner country in Middle East and North Africa. He hoped that this would contribute to the successful implementation of President Al-Sisi’s structural reforms across the economy and society.

In response, Minister Al-Mashat appreciated ROK for its continued cooperation, and she hopes that the field of partnership will be expanded focused on Korea's strengths such as cutting edge technology, sustainable economic growth model, and human resource development. Agreeing with the Minister, Ambassador Hong requested her full support for Korea’s preparation of the ODA country partnership strategy (CPS), as a guideline for bilateral development cooperation in line with Egypt’s national development strategy.

Furthermore, Ambassador Hong and Minister Al-Mashat reviewed the status of ongoing ODA grants, worth $2.7 million including $1.9 million for newly implemented projects in 2021 including the master plan for the modernization of urban transportation in Alexandria and the waste management in greater Cairo project. They also agreed to organize regular working-level consultations to explore new projects in diversified fields and possible adaptation of framework agreement between ministry of international cooperation and ROK Press release from the South Korean embassy in Cairo.

Press release from the South Korean embassy in Cairo