Egypt has always been the major player in the history of North Africa and the Middle East. Egypt is now the center of attraction of the world as everyone is witnessing the political　and social transformation after its revolution two years ago.  The change in Egypt has a significant impact on the future of the Arab world and the Middle East.

One of the important challenges for any society is how to achieve a democratic political system in which people can put their vitality. In this sense, we can say the Japanese people share the same political agenda as the Egyptians.

Japan hopes that, in this challenging process, Egypt is able to respond to the expectations of its people as a whole and to achieve a free, diverse, democratic and social regime.  

The government of Japan would like to continue extending its cooperation for the development of the Egyptian society. This cooperation includes infrastructure building, technical assistance, as well as joint projects in the fields of higher education, such as the Egypt-Japan University for Science and Technology (E-JUST). With the progress of social stability and institutions reform in Egypt, the investment by Japanese business to Egypt would increase and hence would help create more job opportunities and promote the development of industry in Egypt. 

I look forward to working with the Egyptian Government as well as Egyptian people from various fields so as to further develop the existing friendly relations between our two countries.

Egypt has a special memory in my heart, as it was the first foreign country I served as a diplomat about 30 years ago. I made many friends and learnt a lot about diplomacy through my work here in Cairo. I was also impressed by the vitality and sense of humor of Egyptian people. It is my pleasure as well as honor to have returned back to Egypt once again. I am filled with expectations to discover new Egypt with rapid advancement as well as Egypt filled with the good old days.

Toshiro SUZUKI

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Arab Republic of Egypt