Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
Press & Information Office
Pretoria- South Africa
January 13th, 2020
Press- Statement
Egypt and South Africa:
A shared vision towards a sustainable strategic relationship
Ambassador of Egypt to South Africa, Ahmed El Fadly, and his Spouse Habiba
Abdelrazek hosted a lunch in honor of the new Ambassador-Designate of South Africa to
Egypt, Ambassador Ntsiki J. Mashimbye, and his Spouse Khanyi Mashimbye ahead of their
departure to Cairo on Friday, January 14, 2021.
The two Ambassadors discussed the importance of the bilateral relations that have steadily
improved since 1993 and how to strengthen it further through closer co-operation, given the
unique standing of Egypt and South Africa in the continent as the largest economies in
northern and southern Africa, respectively.
“The current relations between Egypt and South Africa neither reflect the depth of the
historical relation between the two countries, nor its potential. The event was a chance to
discuss ways and means of advancing the bilateral relations to a higher sustainable strategic
level”, Ambassador El Fadly said.
Given COVID-19 related restrictions, a very limited number of key executives of the
business community in South Africa have been invited, including the South African Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) and The South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence
Export Council (SAAMDEC), as well as Capital Funds and State Owned Enterprises.
“There are opportunities to be seized and challenges to overcome. The strong relationship
between the two Heads of State offers Egypt and South Africa the possibility to deepen their
work together, to champion the interests of the African continent, and to realize the vision of an
integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa” El Fadly said. “The Cairo-Cape Road is a golden
opportunity; a project that has the potential of transforming what was once a colonial endeavor
into a bridge, bonding both ends of the African continent, thereby bringing about a continental
Renaissance by promoting trade, investment and tourism, as well as bringing Africans closer
together. In this context, we discussed the means of enhancing cooperation between both
countries, including in the areas of trade and investment, to showcase what could be achieved at
the continental level” El Fadly added.
Ambassador-Designate Ntsiki J. Mashimbye also met with members of the Embassy of
Egypt in Pretoria. They outlined their perspectives on how to strengthen cooperation between
the two countries, given the various challenges and opportunities in this regard. “It is a good
opportunity to meet and consult with the Ambassador of Egypt to South Africa before traveling
to Cairo. We both share the same vision regarding the importance of advancing bilateral
relations to a sustainable strategic level” Ambassador Mashimbye said. “The coming period will
witness very intensive contacts in order to achieve this shared vision” Mashimbye added.
Head of the Press & Information Office
Press Counselor/ Ayman Walash