Current image: Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Badr Abdelatty sit facing each other during a meeting in Cairo.

Source: Facebook/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates

Singapore and Egypt discussed bilateral cooperation, ASEAN ties and developments in Cairo.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim made a working visit to Cairo, Egypt, from 14 to 15 September 2026. During the visit, he met Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Dr Badr Abdelatty to discuss bilateral cooperation, economic opportunities, connectivity, humanitarian matters and regional and international developments.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Badr Abdelatty sit opposite each other during a meeting in Cairo.

Source: Facebook/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates

The visit was MOS Zhulkarnain’s introductory visit to Egypt and took place as Singapore and Egypt commemorated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2026. The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss new areas of cooperation and the continued development of bilateral relations.

During his meeting with Dr Abdelatty, the two sides discussed ways to advance Singapore-Egypt relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. Dr Abdelatty highlighted the development of bilateral relations in recent months, particularly following the visit of the President of Singapore to Egypt in September 2025.

Singapore and Egyptian officials sit opposite each other during a meeting in Cairo.

Source: Facebook/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates

The Egyptian Foreign Minister also highlighted opportunities for Singaporean companies to invest in priority industries in Egypt, including through the incentives and facilities offered by the Suez Canal Economic Zone. He encouraged greater investment and discussed proposals to develop economic relations between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed Egypt’s institutional relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Egypt signed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) with ASEAN in 2016, and Dr Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s interest in developing its relationship with ASEAN further.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Badr Abdelatty shake hands during a meeting in Cairo.

Source: Facebook/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates

Regional developments were also addressed, particularly the situation concerning the Palestinian cause. Dr Abdelatty discussed efforts relating to the ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza. He also highlighted Egypt’s role in facilitating humanitarian and relief assistance to the Gaza Strip.

MOS Zhulkarnain expressed Singapore’s appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to support the ceasefire, implement understandings reached under the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement and facilitate humanitarian and relief assistance to Gaza.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Badr Abdelatty stand facing each other and shake hands during a meeting.

Source: Facebook/Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates

The working visit was accompanied by officials from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and provided an opportunity for continued government-to-government engagement between Singapore and Egypt.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore