Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation Dr Rania Al-Mashat. Credit: Phil Pasquini, Shutterstock
Egypt is stepping up international cooperation efforts, announcing new joint initiatives with Norway and the Netherlands during the G20 Development Working Group Ministerial Meeting held in South Africa from July 20 to 25, 2025.
Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation Dr Rania Al-Mashat said the partnerships – particularly in green hydrogen and entrepreneurship – aim to boost investment, regional stability, and job creation in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Norway-Egypt energy partnership grows after El-Sisi’s visit
Egyptian-Norwegian relations received a significant boost following President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s state visit to Norway in December 2024.
During bilateral talks with Norway’s Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust, Dr Al-Mashat highlighted their cooperation in industries such as:
- Renewable energy and green hydrogen
- Oil, gas, and maritime transport
- Fisheries and aquaculture
She stated: “The historic presidential visit to the Kingdom of Norway provided a strong impetus for joint economic relations, especially in green hydrogen projects.”
Dr Al-Mashat confirmed that Egypt is keen to “provide all incentives for investments by Norwegian private sector companies,” particularly in green transformation sectors. She also underlined the strategic role of companies like Scatec, involved in major projects including:
- The Benban Solar Park, one of the largest globally
- A green hydrogen plant in the Suez Canal Economic Zone
- A 1 GW solar plant for the aluminium complex in Naga Hammadi
mped.gov reports that Scatec’s work forms part of the NWFE program, which is driving environmentally friendly investment and includes battery storage and green ammonia production in Damietta.
Dutch development
In a separate meeting with the Netherlands’ Vice Minister for International Development, Pascalle Grotenhuis, Dr Al-Mashat praised the long-standing Egyptian-Dutch relationship.
She said, “The Netherlands is one of Egypt’s main trading partners within Europe, with bilateral trade reaching around one billion euros annually.”
According to Egypt’s Planning Ministry, Dutch development funding has exceeded €407 million since 1975, supporting vital areas such as health and education, agriculture, transport, and housing.
The countries also run the Orange Corners programme, supporting Egyptian entrepreneurs in the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt. After a successful first phase, the scheme has been renewed through to 2028 to promote inclusive growth and youth employment.
Egypt and the Netherlands also signed a climate-focused Memorandum of Understanding in October 2024, aiming to strengthen coastal management and water cooperation.
Dr Al-Mashat reiterated Egypt’s appeal as a regional investment hub, offering a stable business climate, competitive incentives, and access to African and Middle Eastern markets
She added that Norway’s sustainability goals “align with Egypt’s Vision 2030,” positioning both partnerships as long-term engines for green innovation and youth empowerment.
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