Egyptian Ambassador to Korea Khaled Abdel Rahman delivers a speech during the country's Revolution Day celebration at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Embassy of Egypt in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The Embassy of Egypt in Korea celebrated the country's national day in Seoul, Friday.

Egypt commemorates Revolution Day on July 23, marking the anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. The revolution is considered to be the start of the modern Arab Republic of Egypt, putting an end to the monarchy.

Ambassador of Egypt to Korea Khaled Abdel Rahman said Korea is Egypt's valuable partner in various fields, including trade, infrastructure and defense.

"The ties between Cairo and Seoul have witnessed an upsurge over the past years and shall continue to do so given the keenness of both capitals to work together across all fields political, economic, and cultural to promote mutual benefit and cooperation," Ambassador Abdel Rahman said during a reception at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Friday.

The ambassador noted that renowned Korean companies are establishing industrial facilities in Egypt, which are "shining examples of the length the partnership between Cairo and Seoul can reach."

"The upcoming period shall bear the fruition of several endeavors from the Korean side to boost trade and commerce with Cairo in a variety of fields, amongst which are the fields of robotics, information technology, aviation, tourism and green technology," he added.

The ambassador also highlighted Egypt's efforts to fight climate change, as the country will host the U.N. Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP 27) later this year.

"The Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh is set to host the upcoming COP 27 in November 2022, an opportunity that the Arab Republic of Egypt shall seize to promote international awareness on climate issues and hence is looking forward to active participation from all our partners and parties concerned with climate change and the promotion of green technologies and industries."

Kim Jang-hyun, director general for African and Middle East Affairs at Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended the ceremony to extend congratulations from the Korean government.

Kim recalled an Egyptian proverb, "Once you drink from the Nile, you will come back again," which an Egyptian friend shared with him when he left Egypt after working at the Korean Embassy in Cairo from 2013 to 2015.

"After seven years, I was back. Last January, I was back in Egypt to accompany the Korean president's visit to Cairo. Egypt has changed beyond recognition in seven years. Cities have been unrecognizably overhauled and Cairo is full of energy. To me, that demonstrates President (Abdel Fattah) El-Sisi's great leadership," Kim said.

"(During the visit,) we moved beyond the trade and investment-oriented cooperation and consolidated our comprehensive cooperative partnership in various future-oriented fields that contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the people, such as the Cairo Metro, electric vehicles, desalination and renewable energy."

Kim emphasized that Korea and Egypt are good partners for the future.

"I'd like to borrow the Arab proverb, 'Al Rafik Kabl Al Tarik' ― meaning, 'Choose your friend before choosing your way.' Korea views Egypt as a companion on a long journey, and a true partner for the coming future," he said.