Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in the Arab Republic of Egypt on a two-day official visit.

Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly met the Prime Minister of Armenia at Cairo International Airport. As part of the official meeting ceremony, the anthems of the two countries were performed, and then the Prime Ministers greeted the members of the delegations.

Prime Minister Pashinyan will have a private conversation with the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and then the meeting will continue in an expanded format.

The Prime Minister of Armenia will have meetings with Prime Minister of Egypt Mostafa Madbouly, Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit, leader of Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope of Alexandria, Patriarch of the See of St. Mark Tawadros II, Grand Imam of al-Azhar Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb.

Nikol Pashinyan will visit the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, where he will have a meeting with Egyptian businessmen.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who arrived in Egypt on an official visit, met with the country's president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

First, a private conversation between the leaders of the two countries took place, and then the discussions continued in an expanded format.

The President of Egypt welcomed the official visit of Prime Minister Pashinyan and emphasized that it will give a new impetus to the development and expansion of multi-sectoral cooperation between Egypt and Armenia. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized the fact of centuries-old close ties between the Armenian and Egyptian peoples, adding that the Armenian community of Egypt has its o unique role in the development of various fields.

Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked for the warm reception, adding that the Armenian government is interested in expanding and deepening relations with Egypt. The Prime Minister attached importance to the expansion and deepening of trade and economic cooperation and emphasized the need to develop business ties for realizing the existing potential.

The Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Egypt discussed a number of issues related to the implementation of new joint programs in the fields of economy, infrastructure, tourism, aviation, high technologies, agriculture, environment, education, and culture.

The interlocutors also discussed issues related to the processes taking place in the regions of the South Caucasus and the Middle East. The sides emphasized the strengthening of peace and stability and the implementation of consistent steps in that direction.

Prime Minister Pashinyan presented details regarding the ongoing discussions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty to his Egyptian counterpart, touching upon the principled positions of the Armenian side. Reference was also made to the "Crossroads of Peace" project of the Armenian government and its principles.

Nikol Pashinyan also referred to the humanitarian problems of people forcibly displaced from Nagorno Karabakh and the steps taken by the Armenian government to solve them.

After the meeting of Nikol Pashinyan and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in the presence of the leaders of the two countries, the ceremony of signing documents between Armenia and Egypt took place.

In particular, a memorandum of understanding on economic cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia and the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation, which was signed by Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Rafayel Gevorgyan and Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt Rania Al-Mashat.

The 2024-2026 implementation plan on scientific and technical cooperation in the field of agriculture was signed between the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt, which was signed by Rafayel Gevorgyan and Egyptian Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation El Sayed El Quseir.

A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of environment protection was signed between the Ministries of Environment of Armenia and Egypt.

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The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, made statements to media representatives after their meeting.

The President of Egypt said in his speech.

"Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan,
Dear attendees and guests,

First of all, I would like to express my joy for hosting the honorable Prime Minister of the friendly Republic of Armenia and his delegation, which confirms the interest and determination of both sides for the development and strengthening of cooperation. That cooperation will serve the interests of both peoples, also relying on the long-standing historical relations that bind the two countries.

Thousands of Armenians lived in Egypt and contributed to the development of Egyptian society in various spheres: politics, economy, culture, art.

I am happy to note that our today's negotiations confirmed the willingness of both countries to increase the volume of trade, as well as to strengthen the investment component between the two sides, which will correspond to the level of political relations between the two countries. Cooperation can develop in new areas as well, in particular, information technologies, artificial intelligence, food and pharmaceutical industry. Also, during today's discussions, we confirmed the willingness to exchange Egypt’s experience in the fields of infrastructure, construction, transport and electricity production. Also, we will benefit from the Armenian experience, specifically from those Armenian companies that stand out in the field of artificial intelligence.

During the discussions, the sessions of bilateral commissions for economic and technical cooperation were particularly emphasized.

Dear Sirs and Guests,

I have presented to the Honorable Prime Minister the efforts that Egypt is making to achieve a cease-fire in the occupied Gaza Strip, as well as in the West Bank, which will allow for the establishment of an autonomous Palestinian Republic, based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. It is necessary to establish peace in the region instead of war and destruction. Also, during these negotiations, we confirmed Egypt's support for any initiatives that seek to establish peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. We express our full support to the dialogue and negotiation process that will establish a comprehensive, just peace. This will create a new phase of growth and development that will serve the interests of the peoples of the region.

In conclusion, I would like to once again welcome the visit of the Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia to Egypt. I express my hope that this visit will be a very important step for strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries in all fields, which will enrich the relations and historical ties that unite the peoples of the two countries. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister."

In his turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted.

"Your Excellency, Honorable President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi,

Dear attendees,
Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Honorable President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, for the invitation to pay an official visit to Egypt, as well as for the warm hospitality shown to me and the delegation led by me.
Egypt is one of Armenia's key partners in the Middle East, and I appreciate this opportunity to meet. The frequency of contacts between the top political leaders of our countries, the mutually beneficial multi-sector cooperation are not only the evidence of warm relations between our countries, but also testify to a joint vision for the future.

Due to the tensions and unfolding processes in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, during the meeting with President el-Sisi, we touched on security, political and regional issues, as well as the efforts of Armenia and Egypt aimed at establishing peace and stability in the South Caucasus and the Middle East, respectively. Emphasizing the support of international partners for establishing peace in the South Caucasus, I expressed to President el-Sisi Armenia's high appreciation for the balanced and constructive position adopted by Egypt in this matter.

I presented my colleague with the latest developments in the negotiations with Azerbaijan, reaffirming the readiness of the Armenian government to normalize relations based on the recognition of the territorial integrity of the two countries and the implementation of the border demarcation process in accordance with the 1991 Declaration of Alma-Ata. For the stability of the South Caucasus and the wider region, the unblocking of regional infrastructures is also of key importance, based on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of states, reciprocity and equality. In this regard, we developed and presented the "Crossroads of Peace" project, the implementation of which can completely change the situation in the region and establish mutually beneficial cooperation, connecting the East to the West and the North to the South.

Mr. President,

Armenia expresses regret for tens of thousands of innocent victims as a result of escalation of military operations in Gaza. We have also experienced the horror of attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, and we join the calls of the international community for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In this regard, we highly praise the steps taken by Egypt to ensure uninterrupted access of humanitarian aid to Gaza, to receive wounded Palestinians and to evacuate foreigners. We also discussed and need the support and advice of our Egyptian partners regarding our delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and I express gratitude to President el-Sisi for his willingness to help in this matter. Our foreign ministers will deal with this issue. As for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Armenia has always supported the "two states" principle adopted by the international community.

I would like to note with satisfaction that today Armenia and Egypt are effectively cooperating in the fields of politics, economy, science, high technologies, education, culture, tourism and other fields. Effective cooperation has also been formed in a number of multilateral platforms. Egypt is also a reliable partner for us in our relations and dialogue with the Islamic world.

I cannot fail to mention that the Egyptian-Armenian community has a special role in the relations between Armenia and Egypt, which for centuries has contributed both to the development of Egypt and to the strengthening of ties between our countries. In this regard, I must express special thanks for the care that our compatriots living in Egypt have always enjoyed and continue to enjoy at the state level.

Honorable Mr. President,

Following your visit to Armenia, the increase in the interest of Egyptian investors towards Armenia has become noticeable. managers and representatives of famous Egyptian companies visited our country in order to get acquainted with investment opportunities on the spot. I hope that during the meeting with Egyptian businessmen within the framework of this visit, we will give an additional impetus to economic relations.

At present, practical steps are being taken in the direction of the development of trade and economic relations. In the current year, it is planned to hold the regular session of the intergovernmental joint commission between the Republic of Armenia and the Arab Republic of Egypt, which will also include a business forum. During the year, it is expected to hold two more sector-specific business conferences. The Armenian government will encourage Armenian businessmen to participate in the mentioned conferences to be held in Cairo.

Tourism is developing dynamically in bilateral relations. Egypt has been one of the preferred vacation destinations for our citizens for years, and the number of our tourists is growing significantly every year.

Dear President el-Sisi,

Summarizing my speech, I would like to emphasize again the importance of high-level mutual visits in the last two years and wish our states strong relations and new achievements in joint work for the welfare of our peoples. Thank you once again for your warm reception. Thank you".

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In Cairo, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Secretary General of the League of Arab States Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

The latter emphasized cooperation with the Armenian government on various international issues, including for the purpose of presenting positions and views. Ahmed Aboul Gheit mentioned the centuries-old close ties between the Armenian and Arab peoples, which is a good basis for the development of cooperation.

In his speech, the Prime Minister referred to the processes taking place in the South Caucasus region, the discussions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty, and the humanitarian problems of people forcibly displaced from Nagorno Karabakh. Nikol Pashinyan presented details about the "Crossroads of Peace" project developed by the Armenian government and added that based on the principles of sovereignty, jurisdiction, reciprocity and equality, Armenia is ready to unblock regional transport communications.

The interlocutors also discussed the situation in the Middle East, particularly in the Gaza Strip. The sides attached importance to the implementation of consistent steps towards the establishment of peace and stability.

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As part of his official visit to Egypt, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassia, where he had a meeting with the leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and All Africa.

The latter welcomed the visit of the Prime Minister of Armenia to the Patriarchate and emphasized the important role of the Armenian community in the social and political life of Egypt. Tawadros II emphasized the close ties and cooperation between the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked for the warm reception and added that the visit of Tawadros II to Armenia is fondly remembered in our country.

At the meeting, the results of the meeting between the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Egypt, the issues related to the further strengthening of the ties between the two countries were touched upon.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, where he held a meeting with local businessmen.

The President of the Federation, Ahmad el-Wakil welcomed the visit of the Armenian Prime Minister and emphasized the importance of developing and expanding trade and economic relations between the two countries. He emphasized that the Egyptian side is interested in discussing the possibilities of implementing investment programs and deepening cooperation.

Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Rafayel Gevorgyan and Director General of the Investment Support Center Levon Ohanesyan referred to the rate of economic development of Armenia, the progress recorded in various fields in recent years, the steps and reforms towards the implementation of investments and improvement of the business environment in our country.

The Minister of Trade and Industry of Egypt, Ahmed Samir, also made a speech and emphasized the importance of realizing the great potential of the development of economic cooperation between Armenia and Egypt.

In his speech, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that the number one economic characteristic of Armenia is high economic growth. "Both in 2019, 2022, and 2023, we are among the top ten countries in the world in terms of economic growth. And this despite, unfortunately, the instability and challenges in our region and globally in general. My assessment is that economic growth is ensured thank to the following approach and slogan of the Government, when addressing the people, we give them the following message: "get rich and make rich".

According to the Prime Minister, over the past 6 years, the tax revenues of the state budget of Armenia have increased by about 92 percent, that is, it has almost doubled. Nikol Pashinyan expressed hope that the tax revenues of the state budget will more than double with the results of this year.

"The state capital programs and the public investment sector in general may be an area of interest for investors. The government of Armenia is now making approximately $1 billion of capital investments in various sectors, which is a very large and high figure for Armenia, which has more than doubled over the past six years.

We also have programs through which we will support potential investors, including those participating in the purchase. We have an economic modernization program where, for example, construction companies can purchase high-quality construction equipment, vehicles and production equipment with government subsidies.

Armenia has great tourist potential, including for tourists from the Middle East. The first is winter tourism, which is very interesting for the countries of the Middle East. In our country, there are now several big investment projects for skiing and winter resorts. And that sector has targeted, made a goal to attract tourists from the eastern market to the Republic of Armenia.

There is also great potential in the field of winemaking, we have great potential in the field of production and export of alcoholic beverages in general.

Next is the direction of construction in the private sector, which has been one of the sectors providing high growth in our economy in recent years. As of today, 55,000 apartments are under construction in the Republic of Armenia. Real estate investments can be an interesting direction, including linking it to tourism.

The next direction is the technology sector. There is quite a lot of activity in the field of information technologies in Armenia and it is one of the main branches of the economy.

I cannot fail to mention the next most important branch of our economy, which shows impressive development in recent years. I am talking about the financial sector. The banking system in the Republic of Armenia shows significant growth and it has shown its reliability during both the coronavirus and 2020 war.

Of course, we want to ensure that the businessmen face no obstacles while doing business, and consistent reforms are aimed at this," the Prime Minister noted.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, while building the "Academic City", the Government will also provide an opportunity to the private sector to invest. "The construction of a new national stadium is also planned in that area. In order to make long-term investments in the agricultural sector, we plan to build 15 medium-sized reservoirs.

Making large investments is our policy in the field of education and science, and our goal is to make the Republic of Armenia a country with a high-tech economy and production, the main motto of which is knowledge, knowledge-based economy, knowledge-based management. And this knowledge-based management should create a field where investors can invest with confidence, where investors can be sure that through their legal and fair work they can get rich and enrich the Republic of Armenia," said Prime Minister Pashinyan.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt continues. Prime Minister Pashinyan met with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in the New Administrative Capital.

The latter welcomed the Prime Minister's visit to the New Administrative Capital that is being bewly constructed and emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral cooperation between Armenia and Egypt. Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the centuries-old deep historical relations between the two countries and added that the Armenian community of Egypt lives consolidated with the Egyptian society without any problems. Mr. Madbouly noted the effective meetings of the Armenian Prime Minister with the President of the country and representatives of business circles aimed at strengthening and promoting economic ties. At the same time, Mostafa Madbouly thanked the Armenian government for contributing to the development of Egypt-EAEU cooperation.

Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked for the warm reception and added that he had productive discussions with the Egyptian President. Nikol Pashinyan expressed hope that economic cooperation will deepen along with excellent bilateral political relations as a result of his official visit. In this regard, the Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of the meeting with the businessmen. At the same time, it was emphasized that the session of the Armenia-Egypt intergovernmental cooperation commission and the parallel business forum will be held in the near future, during which various investment proposals will be presented. Prime Minister Pashinyan also highlighted Egypt's support in logistical issues for sending humanitarian aid from Armenia to Gaza.

At the meeting, the interlocutors discussed issues related to the expansion of trade turnover, the possibilities of implementation of investment programs. Mostafa Madbouly thanked the Armenian side for naming one of Yerevan's squares after Egypt and added that the Egyptian side will name one of the capital's squares after Armenia.

The sides exchanged ideas on issues related to the construction process of the New Administrative Capital in Egypt, as well as the Academic City in Armenia.

An agreement was reached to hold a meeting of the Armenia-Egypt intergovernmental commission and a business forum in the coming months.

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar.

The Prime Minister emphasized the existing religious tolerance in Egypt and emphasized the fact of warm attitude towards the local Armenian community. Nikol Pashinyan noted with regret that sometimes an attempt is made to use religion for political goals, adding that one of the reasons for this is that people sometimes do not have such good ideas about religions. In this regard, the Prime Minister emphasized the role of governments. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the long history of the Armenian people's interaction with Islam and the fact that thousands of Armenians found refuge in Islamic countries.

Nikol Pashinyan presented to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar the copy of the first surah of the Quran from 1719 kept in the Matenadaran.

The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb, thanked for the valuable gift and emphasized the importance of strengthening tolerance and peace also through religions. Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Tayeb expressed willingness to organize an exhibition of Arabic manuscripts kept in Matenadaran, adding that similar events also contribute to the establishment and strengthening of peaceful coexistence between societies.

The interlocutors expressed confidence that the Armenian Prime Minister's visit will contribute to the strengthening and progress of Armenia-Egypt ties, including in the fields of religious education and culture.

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The delegation led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church in Cairo.

The Prime Minister was welcomed by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Egypt, His Grace Bishop Ashot Mnatsakanyan and the leader of the Armenian Catholic Church in Egypt Krikor Augustinos Kousa. The Prime Minister lit a candle and laid flowers at the cross-stone commemorating the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Next, the Prime Minister had a short meeting with a group of representatives of the Armenian community in Egypt in the primacy, answered various questions of their interest. The Prime Minister referred to the results of the meetings with the top leadership of Egypt, the "Crossroads of Peace" project of the Armenian government, Armenia-Diaspora relations and other topics.

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At the end of his official visit to Egypt, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by the executive director of the museum, Professor Ahmed Farouk Ghoneim, toured the museum, familiarized himself with the presented exhibits and made a note in the book of honored guests of the museum.