Since 2006 up to now, the Embassy of Armenia in Egypt focused on maintaining and intensifying the current high level of political dialogue between the two countries, as well as promoting trade, economic, and scientific-educational cooperation. In that regard, the following activities have been implemented during the mentioned period.
Since the Armenian-Egyptian relations witnessed a steady development in all areas of cooperation,the first visit of the Prime Minster of Armenia to Egypt in December 2005, as well as the official visit of the President of Armenia in April 2007 contributed greatly to the further deepening of friendly and historical relations between the two countries.
The positive trends registered also in bilateral trade during 2006-2009 with 12 fold increase. In 2008 for the first time Armenian agricultural products entered the Egyptian market. Two big investment projects are in the process of implementation.On June 23, 2009 the Armenian-Egyptian Business and Friendship Association inaugurated under the chairmanship of prominent Egyptian businessman Mr.Magdy Zeid.
A remarkable event in the Armenian-Egyptian relations was the establishment of the Center for Armenian Studies in Cairo University in 2007.
Political Cooperation
The visit of Egypt’s Assistant Foreign Minister on European Affairs to Armenia in 2006,was followed by a visit of the Secretary General of the Fund for Technical Cooperation with CIS countries. During a number of meetings, both parties expressed mutual interest in further strengthening of political cooperation between Armenia and Egypt.
In June 2006, the delegation from Egypt’s Administrative Control Authority visited Armenia where they signed a Cooperation Agreement with the management of the Control Service of the President of Armenia.
Marking the first official visit in 15 years,the President of Armenia Robert Kocharian was in Egypt with a high level delegation during April 14-16, 2007. Upon arrival, President Kocharian was received by Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak with whom he exchanged talks on regional and international issues of mutual concern, in addition to means of enhancing political and economic ties between Egypt and Armenia. President Kocharian also met with the Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa and delivered a keynote speech to the ambassadors accredited to the League. Furthermore,the President of Armenia was received by the Speaker of Egypt’s Parliament and the Sheikh of Al Azhar. During the talks with Sheikh of Al Azhar, historical friendship between Armenia and Egypt was highly praised and the relations between the two countries were defined as “the best example of the dialogue of civilizations.” Finally, President Kocharian held talks with the Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif and attended the signing ceremony of eight agreements between Egypt and Armenia.
During December 1-3, 2007,the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Gegham Gharibjanyan, visited Egypt to participate in annual consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Armenia and Egypt. During the meeting with Egypt’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Fatma Zahra, on December 2, the two Deputy Foreign Ministers discussed the work in progress on bilateral agreements reached during the official visit of the President of Armenia to Egypt in April 2007. The parties also emphasized excellent level of political relations established between Egypt and Armenia in the past period, however, they reiterated the importance of activating ties in trade and economic cooperation, as well as such sectors as energy, aviation, tourism and agriculture. On December 3, 2007, the Armenian delegation was received by Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Ahmad Abul Gheit. Aside from regional issues discussed during the meeting, Mr. Gharibjanyan also presented the current developments of Nagorno Karabakh question, as well as dwelled on relations of Armenia with Turkey and Iran. The parties agreed to organize a visit of Egypt’s Foreign Minister to Armenia during 2008. The Armenian delegation also met with Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Faiza Abul Naga, who is co-chairing the Egyptian-Armenian Intergovernmental Committee. Besides established cooperation in pharmaceuticals and Information Technology sectors, Minister Abul Naga also expressed Egypt’s willingness to start cooperation between Egypt and Armenia in the energy sector. The parties also discussed the importance and possibility of opening a direct flight between Cairo and Yerevan. The next session of the Egyptian-Armenian Intergovernmental Committee was suggested to be held in Armenia in April 2008.
On February 23, 2009,the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Mr. Edward Nalbandian, arrived in Egypt for an official visit at the invitation of Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Ahmed Abul Gheit. On the same day, Mr. Nalbandian was received by Egypt’s Prime Minister, Mr. Ahmed Nazif. During the meeting, Egypt’s Prime Minister emphasized that involvement of the Armenian community in the country’s various affairs is a token of time-long friendship between Egyptians and Armenians, and these friendly relations can serve as a strong base for further cooperation between the two nations. On his turn, Armenia’s Foreign Minister stated about his country’s interest in further deepening of bilateral cooperation with Egypt. The high level of political dialogue, existent between the two countries, needs to be strengthened by mutual trade and business projects.During the meeting,the Foreign Ministers of both countries discussed issues related to development of cooperation between Egypt and Armenia in different spheres, as well as cooperation with international organizations. Mr. Nalbandian emphasized that, due to its geographic proximity to the Middle East, Armenia is highly interested in preserving peace and stability in the region. In that regard, the Minister praised the role of Egypt for its efforts in establishing lasting peace in the Middle East, as well as the leading role in achieving the Palestinian reconciliation. Both Ministers also exchanged ideas with regard to strengthening the security of the South Caucasus and the Middle East. Furthermore, both Ministers signed an agreement between Egypt and Armenia with regard to abolition of entry visas for people carrying diplomatic, state service or special passports. Minister Nalbandian invited Minister Abul Gheit to visit Armenia.After the meeting, Minister Nalbandian had a short talk with the representatives of the Egyptian mass media. During the meeting with Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Faiza Abul Naga, Mr. Nalbandian discussed issues related to the upcoming Intergovernmental Commission Meeting to be held in Armenia in 2009. Also on February 23, Mr. Nalbandian had a warm meeting with the representatives of the Armenian community in Egypt. In the frameworks of the visit, Mr. Nalbandian gave a comprehensive interview to the Al Ahram newspaper.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
The Embassy of Armenia initiated the first visit of the Armenian IT sector representatives to Egypt, where they participated in the 10th International IT Exhibition, Cairo ICT 2006, during February 5-8, 2006. The Enterprise Incubator Foundation, Union of IT Enterprises, IT Development Support Council and AviaInfoTel companies were represented in one common pavilion carrying the name “Information Technology sector of Armenia.” The delegation members held a number of meetings with Egypt's Ministry of IT and Communication of Egypt, IT International Development Agency, National Regulatory Telecom Authority, Ministry of Administrative Development, Association of software companies ELABs, Chamber of IT and Communication Industries, and a number of private companies. Two MOU’s were signed between Egypt and Armenia on IT cooperation.
During September 20-23, 2006, Egypt’s IT sector representatives participated in the IT Business Forum in Armenia held under the auspices of the Armenia-Diaspora Economic Conference. The Egyptian delegation included a number of private IT companies, Chamber of IT and Communication Industries, and ITIDA. The delegation participated in the IT Business Forum, as well as the Armenian-Egyptian IT Forum where representatives of both countries had one-to-one meetings and discussions. Further cooperation steps have been outlined between the IT sectors of both countries.
During July 25-30, 2006,the Armenian Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Samvel Galstyan, paid a working visit to Egypt. The Armenian delegation had a meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture, Director of the Agricultural Research Center and heads of other specialized institutions.
A 25-member business delegation from Armenia’s IT, pharmaceutical, construction, textile, agriculture and food processing sectors accompanied President of Armenia during his visit to Egypt from April 14 to April 16, 2007. The Armenian businessmen conferred with their Egyptian counterparts at the Egyptian-Armenian Business Forum at the premises of the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association on April 15, 2007. The Federation of Egyptian Industries also organized one-to-one meetings between Armenian and Egyptian businessmen. Furthermore, the IT delegation headed by the Minister of Trade and Economic Development Karen Chshmaritian, visited the Smart Village in Egypt and met with Egypt’s Minister of IT and Communications Tarek Kamel, as well as the Deputy IT Minister, Chief of ITIDA and members of Chamber of IT and Communications Industries. An agreement on establishing Egyptian-Armenian Business Council was signed during the official visit of the President of Armenia to Egypt on April 15, 2007. The agreement was signed between Egyptian Businessmen’s Association and Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia. The cooperation documents aim at improving trade, industrial and IT cooperation between the two countries.
The Embassy of Armenia assisted with the organization of the visit of Gyumri Businessmen Association to Alexandria during May 17-25, 2007. On May 21, 2007, 22 businessmen from the association participated in a business forum organized by the Alexandria Businessmen Association. During the forum,the Ambassador of Armenia to Egypt, Dr. Rouben Karapetian, talked about Egyptian-Armenian bilateral relations.The Ambassador's speech was followed by a presentation “Doing Business with Armenia” which touched upon Armenia’s macroeconomic situation, investment incentives, current trade relations with Egypt and opportunities for boosting cooperation. Armenian and Egyptian businessmen had a chance to introduce their businesses and discuss mutual areas of interest. Parties achieved a preliminary agreement to cooperate in the field of textiles, tourism, and pharmaceuticals and chemicals. The Alexandria Businessmen Association declared May 21st as the Armenian Day in Alexandria.
In line with agreements on IT cooperation reached between Egypt and Armenia during the earlier official visit of the President of Armenia to Egypt, as well as based on the recent Presidential Decree for IT development in Armenia, an Armenian IT delegation visited Smart Village in Egypt during December 9-12, 2007. The delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Mr. Vahram Ghushchyan, and consisted of representatives from the Ministry IT Department, the World Bank Armenia, and IT associations. One of the aims of the visit was the study of Egyptian expertise in the development of ICT/Hi-Tech parks such as the Smart Village. The delegation also held meetings with the heads and representatives of Egypt’s IT Development Agency, the Nile University, and Chamber of IT Companies. During the course of the meetings, the parties agreed on venues of cooperation and pinpointed a number of directions which will be included in the agreement to be signed during the upcoming Egyptian-Armenian Intergovernmental Committee Meeting to be held in Yerevan in 2008. The parties also agreed on conducting an IT workshop in Armenia in 2008 with participation of the Egyptian IT sector.
Culture and Science Cooperation
While celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the creation of the Armenian alphabet, the Embassy of Armenia organized an exhibition of medieval Armenian manuscripts in the Central Hall of the Library of Alexandria during February 5-25, 2006. The manuscripts were presented by the Armenian Institute of Ancient Manuscripts after Mesrop Mashtots, Matenadaran, which is a unique museum and a scientific center with its collection of more than 30 thousand ancient manuscripts. In line with the exhibition, a scientific conference entitled “Armenia and Egypt: Historical-Cultural links” took place on February 9, 2006. The participants of the conference were Academician Dr. Sen Arevshatyan, Director of Matenadaran, Academician Dr. Vladimir Barkhudaryan, Vice Chairman of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences, Dr. Nikolay Hovhannisyan, Director of the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies, as well as a number of scientists from Matenadaran. A cooperation agreement was signed between the Library of Alexandria and Matenadaran.
On April 2, 2006, the Embassy sponsored the presentation of a book “Armenians in Egypt: Contribution of Armenians to the Medieval and Modern Egypt” at the Mubarak Public Library in Cairo. Written by a former Egyptian-Armenian, Sona Zeitlian, this book was the first attempt to present in English the role and place of the Armenian community in the most interesting and vital periods of the Egyptian history. The writer charts the participation of Armenians in different fields of political, social and cultural life of Egypt under the successive rules of Byzantine, Fatimid, Ayubid, Mamluk dynasties and the Ottoman empire; the activities of Armenians in the political life of Egypt during the reign of Mohamed Ali and afterwards; the contribution of Armenians in the development of finances, trade, industry, architecture, press and arts in Egypt. The book was published in the USA in the English language. The preface of the book contains messages of appreciation from the Ambassador of Egypt to the USA and Ambassador of the League of Arab States to the USA, while the foreword is written by the Ambassador of Armenia to Egypt, Dr. Rouben Karapetian.
While celebrating the 15th year of Armenia’s independence, the Embassy of Armenia organized the performance of a well-known Armenian ensemble Cadence in the Cairo and Alexandria Opera Houses on September 23 and 25, 2006. During the 16th year of Armenia’s independence in 2007, the Embassy invited a well known Armenian saxophonist and duduk player, Alexander Zakarian, to perform at the Embassy reception.
At the invitation of Egypt’s Minister of Culture, the Armenian National Theater after G. Sundukyan participated in the International Festival of Experimental Theater which was held in Cairo during September 10-20, 2006. The group of nine Armenian actors headed by the director Suren Shahverdyan, received the “Best Director” award for their “Psychosis 4.48” titled performance.
Two Armenian theatre groups participated in the Cairo International Festival of Experimental Theatre that was held from September 2 to September 11, 2007. Goyak Art Business Company led by Art Director Anna Hekekyan gave two performances in Al Gomhouria Theatre, while Armenian State Puppet Theatre led by Art Director Rouben Babayan performed in Al Arayes Theatre. This was the third participation of the Armenian theaters in Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre.
The President of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Academician Dr. Radik Martirosyan, participated in the Inter-Academy International Conference held in Alexandria during December 1-6, 2006. Dr. Martirosyan also met with the management of the Cairo University to discuss further development of scientific cooperation between Egypt and Armenia, exchange of scientists between the two countries, as well as works in progress towards founnding the Chair of Armenian Studies at the Philology Department of the Cairo University in 2007.
During the official visit of the President of Armenia and the First Lady, the Armenian National Ballet and Opera Theater performed in Cairo and Alexandria “Gayane” ballet by a famous Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. Dedicated to the marking of the 15th anniversary of bilateral relations between Egypt and Armenia, the performance was under the auspices of Egypt’s First Lady, Susanne Mubarak. The ballet was attended by both First Ladies, a number of government officials & foreign ambassadors.
During February 13-17, 2007, the exhibition of a well-known Armenian painter, Teni Vardanyan, was held at the Ahmad Shawki museum in Giza. The exhibition was organized by the Embassy of Armenia in Egypt and Egypt’s Ministry of Culture on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. The opening of the exhibition was attended by the members of the diplomatic corps, cultural circles and representatives of the Armenian community. Teni Vardanyan has exhibited her works in many countries and received multiple awards and high evaluations everywhere. Earlier, Ms. Vardanyan showcased her paintings in the 10th International Biennale in Cairo where she was awarded with a “Golden Medal” prize.
The Embassy of Armenia in Egypt inaugurated the opening of the Armenian Books Corner at the Mubarak Public Library on June 20, 2007. The Embassy donated a number of books about Armenia and Armenians to the Library and will replenish them on a regular basis. The books are in the Arabic, English and French languages to be suitable for Egyptian readers. The inauguration ceremony was followed by the opening of the exhibition of paintings of Armenian children under the theme “Egypt through the eyes of Armenian children.” The exhibition was held at the Library until July 4, 2007.
In line with the decision of the government of Egypt and the Ministry of Higher Education, a Center for Armenian Studies was founded at the Faculty of Arts of the Cairo University. The activities of the Center started with the lecture on Armenian-Arab Historical Relations delivered by professor of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Nikolay Hovhannissian, to the students of the Faculty on December 13, 2007. Professor Hovhannissian was honored for his outstanding scientific experience and work in the field of Middle Eastern studies. He was presented with a commemorative medal of the Faculty in the presence of the Dean and the Vice Dean of the faculty as well as Director of the Armenian Center. The Ambassador of Armenia in Egypt, the Embassy staff, as well as representatives of the Armenian Community in Egypt were present at the event.
Under the auspices of the Embassy of Armenia in Egypt and with the participation of the Armenian Community in Cairo, “Armenian Day” cultural initiative took place at Cairo Children’s Cancer Hospital on December 14, 2007. The initiative was put forward and agreed upon by the First Ladies of Armenia and Egypt during the first official visit of the President of Armenia to Egypt in April 2007. During the event Egyptian-Armenian children presented Armenian national dance and music, as well as created Armenian handicraft together with the hospital’s patients. On this occasion, the First Lady of Armenia, Mrs. Bella Kocharian, has sent her special message which was read during the event. At the end of this charity initiative, Ambassador’s spouse Mrs. Mariam Karapetian handed in the donations made by Egyptian-Armenian organizations and individuals to the director of the hospital.
A famous French-Armenian singer, Charles Aznavour, gave concerts in Cairo and Alexandria Opera Houses on January 4 and 6, 2008. The Prime Minister of Egypt, General Secretary of the Arab League, a number of Egypt’s Ministers, as well as ambassadors of many countries were present at the concert in Cairo. The concert in Alexandria was held under the auspices of Egypt’s Ministers of Tourism and Culture, as well as Ambassador of Armenia to Egypt, Dr. Rouben Karapetian.
Under the auspices of Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Hani Hilal, an international forum “Armenia – Arab World: Past and Present” took place at the Symposium Hall of the Faculty of Arts of Cairo University on April 29, 2008.The forum was organized with joint efforts of the Embassy of Armenia in Egypt, civil and cultural organizations of the Armenian community in Egypt, as well as the Middle Eastern Office of the Armenian Cause. During the inauguration of the forum, Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Ahmed Kheiri, and the Ambassador of Armenia in Egypt, Dr. Rouben Karapetian, emphasized the importance of organizing such events and talked about Arab-Armenian historic ties which are still uniting Armenian and Arab people by showing an exclusive example of political dialogue in international relations. Ambassador Karapetian also read the message of Armenia’s Minister of Higher Education and Science addressed to the participants of the forum. Also speaking at the opening of the forum was Dr. Ahmad Zayed, who is the Dean of the Faculty of Arts of Cairo University and the Chairman of the Board of the Center of Armenian Studies at the University. Dr. Zayed talked about activities of the newly created center and reiterated the importance of the center’s continuity. The forum “Armenia – Arab World: Past and Present” hosted more than 20 well known Arab scientists from Egypt, Syria and Lebanon specialized in the Armenian studies. There were also Armenian scientists specialized in Arab studies. This was the first time that such a representative international forum took place in the region. Speakers talked about Armenian-Arab and Armenian-Islamic relations in different stages of history. They also dwelled on the role of Armenian communities in Arab countries, as well as position of the Arabs in the issue of the Armenian Genocide. Present at the forum were the Head of the European Department of the Arab League, Chairman of Egypt-Africa Association, representatives from different Ministries of Egypt, foreign ambassadors, university lecturers and students, as well as journalists and representatives of the Armenian community in Egypt. On the same day, Ambassador Karapetian handed in certificates to the participants during the official reception organized at the Embassy of Armenia in Egypt.
Promotional Activities
At the beginning of 2006, the Embassy of Armenia launched the publication of “Akhbar Armenia,” a quarterly bulletin in the Arabic language. This initiative is the first of its kind in the Middle East. The aim of the bulletin is to reach Egypt’s political and social masses providing them with important news about Armenia, developments in Armenian-Egyptian relations, and Armenian ties with the Arab world. The bulletin is printed with colored pictures and has a print size of 1000 copies.
At the end of 2006, The Embassy of Armenia launched its website in the English language at the address http://www.armembegypt.com/index.php. The Arabic version of the site is in the preparation stage.
During the official visit of the President of Armenia to Egypt, the memorial dedicated to historical friendship between Armenia and Egypt was erected in Hurreya Gardens near Cairo Opera House on April 15, 2007. The sculpture was made by an Egyptian of Armenian origin, Sarkis Tossunian. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Governor of Cairo and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, in addition to other government officials, members of the Armenian community in Egypt, and the mass media. In his interview to the mass media, the Governor of Cairo Mr. Abdel Azim Wazir mentioned that the memorial reflects the centuries long Egyptian-Armenian close and friendly relations, and that Armenians living in Egypt have become devoted citizens of this country enjoying all the privileges and contributing greatly to Egypt’s culture, economy and politics.
