Egypt is looking forward to investment cooperation with Indonesia in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty pointed out on Friday the 'importance of working to raise the rates of mutual trade and investment between the two countries, reflecting the level of strategic partnership.'

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto signed in April 2025 in Cairo a declaration elevating relations between the two countries to the level of 'strategic partnership.'

During his meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Sugiono on Friday on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Philippine capital Manila, Abdelatty spoke about the promising investment opportunities that Egypt offers, foremost of which is the Suez Canal Economic Zone, and the competitive advantages it provides as a regional center for industry and logistics services and a gateway to African and Arab markets.

He also pointed to the importance of enhancing agricultural cooperation and exchanging expertise between the two countries, and working to remove non-tariff restrictions that impede the access of Egyptian agricultural exports of vegetables and fruits to the Indonesian market, contributing to increasing the volume of trade exchange.

The Suez Canal Economic Zone extends over an area of 455 kilometers and includes 4 industrial zones (East Port Said, Sokhna, West Qantara, and East Ismailia), in addition to 6 ports (East Port Said, West Port Said, Sokhna, Al-Tur, Al-Adabiya, and Al-Arish).

According to observers, the Egyptian government 'has taken important measures during the past period to develop the Suez Canal Economic Zone, attracted good investments in industry and logistics, and also relies on the confidence of global navigation in the (economic zone).'

The General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone achieved the highest revenues in its history during the fiscal year 2023-2024, reaching 8.25 billion Egyptian pounds (the dollar is about 51 pounds), an increase of 36 percent over the previous fiscal year.

El-Sisi and Subianto signed in Cairo in April 2025 a declaration elevating relations to the level of 'strategic partnership' (Egyptian Presidency)

Common interests

On Friday, talks were held between the foreign ministers of Egypt and Indonesia. Abdelatty stressed 'the high priority that his country attaches to strengthening relations with Indonesia,' noting the keenness to follow up the implementation of what was agreed upon between the political leadership of the two countries, and building on the results of high-level visits and meetings to push bilateral cooperation to broader horizons and achieve common interests.

He also praised the important role that Indonesia plays in supporting the work of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the host country of the general secretariat, affirming 'the keenness to continue strengthening its institutional relations with (ASEAN) since joining the (Treaty of Amity and Cooperation) in 2016, which enhances cooperation with the member states in various fields and serves the common interests of both sides.'

According to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Friday, Minister Abdelatty affirmed his keenness to continue consultation with Indonesia in various international and regional forums, praising the mutual support for the two countries' candidates in international organizations, as well as the alignment of the two countries' positions regarding support for nuclear disarmament efforts, nuclear non-proliferation, and the establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones.

He also stressed his keenness to continue coordination with Indonesia within the framework of the Developing Eight (D-8) for Economic Cooperation, expressing his aspiration for active participation in the upcoming meetings of the group during the Indonesian presidency for the period 2026-2027.

West Port Said port receives the sailing cruise ship 'STAR FLYER' at the end of last month (page of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone on Facebook)

Arab countries

The talks between Abdelatty and Sugiono also covered developments in regional situations, where the Egyptian Foreign Minister stressed 'the necessity of concerted regional and international efforts to end conflicts and crises in the region as soon as possible, and pushing the diplomatic track towards peaceful solutions in accordance with the rules of international law, the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law,' stressing 'Egypt's complete rejection of all attacks targeting Arab countries, and the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of states and the policy of good neighborliness.'

Cairo affirmed in a Foreign Ministry statement on Friday its full solidarity with all sister Arab countries, and its full support for what they take of legitimate measures to maintain their security, stability, and sovereignty, and renewed 'its categorical rejection and condemnation of targeting the sovereignty of sister Arab countries, targeting civilians, civilian facilities, and vital infrastructure therein, and any actions that would threaten the security and freedom of international navigation.'

Badr Abdelatty affirmed during talks with his Indonesian counterpart on Friday the keenness to continue consultation between the two countries in various international and regional forums (page of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Facebook)

Rejection of 'displacement'

Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, Abdelatty expressed during his meeting with his Indonesian counterpart 'his country's appreciation for the Indonesian position supporting Egyptian efforts, rejecting the displacement of Palestinians, and ensuring full access of humanitarian aid.'

He also appreciated the humanitarian aid provided by Indonesia to the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, praising the close coordination between the two countries in various international forums on the Palestinian issue.

Jakarta supports the 'two-state solution' to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and previously sent humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry had previously announced in February 2025 its categorical rejection of any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians.