Egyptians Abroad Conference kicks off in Cairo - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

16 hours ago

The sixth edition of the Egyptians Abroad Conference kicked off in Cairo on Sunday under the slogan 'From Everywhere… Egypt is the Destination,' with the participation of more than 1,200 Egyptian expatriates from 40 countries.
The conference, held on 3-4 August, features several ministers, members of the House of Representatives and Senate, heads of authorities, and representatives of government bodies and the private sector.
During the event, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly affirmed that caring for the Egyptians abroad is a top priority for the Egyptian state and its political leadership.
'President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi places as great importance on Egyptians living abroad as on those inside the country,' Madbouly said.
He highlighted the president's directives to exert every effort to defend the rights and dignity of Egyptians abroad and address their needs and demands.
Madbouly also asserted the state's commitment to mobilizing all possible efforts by the relevant ministries and institutions to provide various services to Egyptians abroad.
'This includes intensifying communication with expatriates and strengthening their ties with their homeland,' the premier added.
Moreover, PM Madbouly affirmed that Egypt is maintaining its security and stability despite regional unrest, thanks to divine providence and the awareness of the Egyptian people.
He also commended the wisdom of the Egyptian political leadership, which remains committed to Egypt's foreign policy principles, particularly regarding the Palestinian cause.
'Egypt continues its efforts to ensure the Palestinian people obtain their legitimate rights, foremost among them the establishment of an independent state along 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,' Madbouly said.
Supporting expatriates
"The conference reflects President El-Sisi's directives to strengthen communication with Egyptians abroad and provide them with necessary support and care," Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty.
Abdelatty also reviewed the ministry's extensive efforts to implement the recommendations of the conference's fifth edition, especially concerning the digital transformation of consular services.
He highlighted investment opportunities and avenues for economic participation in national development projects, as well as mechanisms to transfer knowledge and expertise from skilled Egyptian expatriates back to their homeland.
He further affirmed the state's commitment to maintaining direct communication with Egyptian communities abroad, whether through in-person meetings during his official visits or virtual gatherings.
FM Abdelatty stressed the importance of close coordination with Egyptians abroad to listen to their suggestions and ensure they receive all necessary services.
This includes ongoing efforts to open new labour markets for Egyptian workers abroad and to train and qualify Egyptians seeking employment in various countries.
Middle East crises
"Egypt is adopting an honourable foreign policy amid the unprecedented regional conditions. It exceptionally and consistently supports the Palestinian cause based on its historical responsibilities," Minister Abdelatty emphasized.
He outlined Egypt's active role in supporting the Palestinian people on both the diplomatic and humanitarian levels, driven by the justice of their cause and the need to end the tragedy in Gaza.
However, he condemned the recent systematic campaign against Egypt's role in supporting the Palestinian people as misleading and driven by suspicious motives.
Egypt has provided 70 percent of the humanitarian aid that entered the Gaza Strip, he said, stressing the state's ongoing support to the Palestinian people's right to remain on their land and establish their independent state.
Educational and social initiative
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Technical Education launched the Your School in Egypt Initiative during the event. It aims to provide quality educational services to the children of Egyptians abroad.
It also facilitates their access to the Egyptian curriculum using the latest technological tools, while reinforcing their cultural and educational connection to their homeland.
The initiative includes creating and operating interactive digital classrooms, providing accredited electronic educational content, and offering the necessary technical support to ensure a high-quality learning experience.
The Foreign Ministry also signed a cooperation protocol with the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) under the Your Insurance in Egypt Initiative to develop an insurance policy for Egyptians abroad and their families.
This insurance covers risks of death and total disability, includes all Egyptians abroad — not just those working, and increases the coverage amount from EGP 100,000 to 250,000.
This cooperation marks a new step in the state's care for its citizens abroad and in its institutions' commitment to provide social and financial protection for all Egyptians.
The conference serves as a national platform to enhance direct dialogue and interaction between the state and its citizens abroad. It featured many interactive sessions on key issues of interest to Egyptians abroad.
These sessions discussed the state's efforts to support expatriates, new initiatives, and investment opportunities in housing, agriculture, and industry.
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