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Al-Ahram Weekly

Egypt and Canada strengthen economic and diplomatic partnership - Foreign Affairs

Canada's Ambassador to Egypt, Ulric Shannon, emphasised the strong ties between the two nations during a roundtable with journalists, highlighting cooperation in trade, peacekeeping, cultural exchange and diplomatic relations. In his first roundtable discussion since assuming his role, Canada's Ambassador to Egypt, Ulric Shannon, reflected on the deep historical ties between the two countries, underscoring decades of collaboration in economic development, education, and regional stability. He invoked an Egyptian proverb -- those who drink from the Nile must return to it -- to express his connection to Egypt, where he began his diplomatic career two decades ago. Canada and Egypt have fostered partnerships in trade, investment, and peacekeeping, he stated, adding that Canada has invested over $1 billion in Egypt over 40 years, supporting sustainable growth and education. From the 1956 UN mission to the ongoing Canadian Forces' presence in Sinai, security cooperation remains a cornerstone, he noted. The ambassador highlighted the Canadian-Egyptian community's role and language as bridges for mutual understanding, adding that the discussion set the stage for deeper collaboration in the coming decades. The roundtable reinforced Canada's commitment to strengthening ties with Egypt, with the ambassador expressing optimism for future joint initiatives. "There are 20,000 Egyptian students enrolled either in a Canadian university or school in Egypt, and Canada has a good reputation in the field of education, with partnerships to establish schools and universities in Egypt following the Canadian curriculum. There is also cooperation in the health sector between the two countries with a priority on providing basic health services for women and girls in remote and underserved areas. The current Canadian development programme, which is valued at approximately $8-9 million annually, focuses on gender equality, economic empowerment, food security, reproductive health, and climate change resilience, with a particular emphasis on the most disadvantaged populations in Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta," Ambassador Shannon told Ahram Online. The ambassador expressed his country's deep appreciation for Egypt's efforts in managing regional crises, particularly its efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid. He emphasised that Canada is closely monitoring the situation there with grave concern. "We believe in the importance of reaching a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and we intend to recognise the state of Palestine during the United Nations General Assembly meetings next September, in support of the two-state solution," he stated Ambassador Shannon pointed to Canada's ongoing consultations with Egypt and tangible diplomatic efforts in this regard. He also stressed that the convening of the United Nations General Assembly next month will bolster these efforts. Canada has imposed sanctions against two Israeli ministers for encouraging violence against Palestinians. Egypt plays a pivotal role in the region, and Canada values Egypt's efforts to secure the release of hostages and achieve a ceasefire, Shannon stated With additional resources announced on 29 July 2025, Canada has now pledged over $355 million in international assistance to address humanitarian needs and enhance the resilience of Palestinian civilians since 7 October 2023. "The crucial point is ensuring this aid reaches Gaza, and of course, we are committed to the UN's mechanisms for distributing this aid," Shannon said, adding that while there are alternative methods, Canada adheres to the UN's channels. "We have repeatedly condemned Israel's refusal and obstruction of aid delivery; therefore, we are working to coordinate with all parties to ensure the aid reaches its destination," he added. Regarding tourism between the two countries, Shannon indicated the operation of direct flights between Cairo and Toronto five times a week, mostly carrying dual nationals. He highlighted that Canadian tourists tend to favour the Red Sea region and historical sites and that he and the Egyptian ambassador in Canada coordinate in encouraging Canadians to visit Egypt. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link: