In a Tuesday statement, the presidency said Al-Sisi received Stubb in Cairo during an official visit, where the two leaders held bilateral talks followed by an expanded session with their respective delegations.

Al-Sisi expressed Egypt’s appreciation for its ties with Finland, stressing the importance of expanding co-operation across multiple sectors, particularly trade and investment, while enhancing links between the two countries’ business communities.

The statement noted that Stubb was accompanied by a delegation of business leaders, reflecting Finland’s interest in expanding its investments in Egypt and capitalising on opportunities in the local market.

At a joint press conference, Al-Sisi said both sides agreed to explore new areas of partnership, including information and communications technology, digital transformation, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and advanced industries.

The talks also addressed co-operation between Egypt and the European Union, with Al-Sisi highlighting the importance of their strategic partnership and Finland’s role in supporting it.

On regional issues, Al-Sisi stressed the need for continued coordination to achieve stability, reaffirming Egypt’s rejection of attacks on Arab states and its support for Gulf security as part of its national security framework.

The leaders also discussed developments in Gaza Strip, with Al-Sisi calling for adherence to a ceasefire and the implementation of the second phase of a US-proposed plan to end the war, while ensuring sustained humanitarian access.

He reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians or undermine the unity of Palestinian territories, stressing that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting peace.

Discussions further covered developments in Sudan, Lebanon, and Libya, with Al-Sisi reaffirming Egypt’s support for efforts to secure a ceasefire in Sudan and preserve its territorial integrity.

For his part, Stubb expressed appreciation for bilateral relations and affirmed Finland’s interest in deepening co-operation with Egypt, as well as maintaining consultations with Cairo on regional and international issues.

Both sides highlighted broad alignment on key issues and significant potential to expand collaboration across a range of sectors.

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Speaking at the Egyptian-Finnish Business Forum, Madbouly stated that Egypt offers a young population and an extensive infrastructure development programme. He invited Finnish companies to utilise Egyptian labour and trade agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, to establish joint manufacturing projects that provide access to a market of approximately 1.3 billion consumers.

To attract such investments, the Egyptian government has implemented structural reforms aimed at creating a flexible business environment, Madbouly explained. These measures include modernising the legislative framework for investment protection, simplifying company formation procedures, and developing advanced infrastructure.

The Prime Minister specifically highlighted the Suez Canal Economic Zone, which he said provides distinct incentives for Finnish companies looking to export to global markets.

Madbouly called on Finnish partners to support the “Digital Egypt” strategy by leveraging Finland’s expertise in 5G technologies and artificial intelligence. He also pointed to potential collaboration in clean energy and water, specifically mentioning green hydrogen, water desalination, and waste-to-energy projects, which align with Egypt’s priority for a green transition and Finland’s experience in renewable energy and the circular economy.

Further opportunities for cooperation exist in healthcare and education, Madbouly added, noting the potential to utilise the Finnish educational model and modern medical technologies to enhance Egypt’s human capital.

Stressing the government’s role, Madbouly stated that Egypt is committed to acting as a partner to investors rather than merely a regulatory body, adding that officials are keen to listen to and resolve any challenges to ensure the success and sustainability of investments.

The forum, held at the headquarters of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) in Cairo, was attended by Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Madbouly described Stubb’s visit as an important milestone in bilateral relations and expressed hope that the forum would launch new partnerships to achieve mutual prosperity.

Opening the event, Madbouly welcomed the Finnish delegation, asserting that the forum embodies deep-rooted friendship and growing economic integration between the two nations. Despite geographical differences, the two countries share ambitions and a vision based on innovation, sustainability, and mutual growth, with Finland recognised as a global leader in digital transformation, education, and green technology, the Prime Minister noted.

Egyptian officials present at the forum included Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid, and GAFI Chief Executive Mohamed El-Gawsaky. The Finnish delegation featured Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs and Employment Timo Jaatinen, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Trade Jarno Syrjälä, and Finland’s Ambassador to Egypt, Riikka Eela.

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In an interview with Daily News Egypt, Eela underscored Finland’s global strengths in innovation, digitalisation, and sustainability, identifying key sectors for deeper cooperation, including ICT, healthcare, the green transition, and logistics.

She also emphasised Egypt’s strategic position as a regional hub, recent progress in improving the business climate, and a shared ambition to build a long-term, future-oriented partnership between the two countries.

What is the current volume of trade exchange between Egypt and Finland, and how do you see it evolving in 2026?

Trade relations between Egypt and Finland have developed steadily in recent years, reflecting a positive trajectory. However, despite this progress, considerable untapped potential remains to expand trade flows in both directions. We expect exports from both countries to continue growing gradually in 2026, supported by stronger economic ties and increased business engagement.

According to the latest full-year data for 2024, Finland’s exports to Egypt reached approximately €456m. Goods accounted for 94% of this total, while services represented just 6%. In a broader context, exports to Egypt still account for less than 0.5% of Finland’s total global exports, which stood at around €111bn, clearly indicating significant room for expansion.

Egypt holds a strategically important position for Finland. It is currently the largest destination for Finnish goods exports in Africa, surpassing markets in the GCC. Nearly 80% of Finnish exports to Egypt consist of forest-based products, including timber, paper, and pulp.

One of the most promising opportunities lies in the services sector. Globally, services account for around 35% of Finland’s exports, yet in Egypt they represent only 6%. This gap highlights strong potential for growth in digital services, consulting, and advanced technological solutions.

On the other hand, Egyptian exports to Finland reached €88m in 2024, with goods comprising 77% and services 23%. Key exports include fertilisers, chemicals, textiles, glassware, and agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables.

What is the current level of Finnish direct investment in Egypt, and which sectors hold the most promise?

Measuring Finnish direct investment in Egypt is not always straightforward, as many companies operate through global structures, meaning their investments are not always fully captured in country-level statistics.

That said, several prominent Finnish companies have established significant operations in Egypt. For example, Huhtamäki operates three manufacturing facilities and has obtained a Golden Licence, reflecting the scale of its investment. HMD Global has also set up large-scale mobile phone manufacturing operations in the country.

In addition, Nokia plays a major role in Egypt’s telecommunications landscape, running extensive regional operations from Cairo and contributing to digital infrastructure development across Africa. Meanwhile, KONE is actively involved in major construction and infrastructure projects, providing vertical transportation solutions.

Egypt is widely regarded as an attractive destination for foreign investment due to its strategic location, large market, and ongoing economic reforms. While governments can facilitate investment, decisions ultimately lie with companies. Our role is to provide accurate information and encourage Finnish firms to explore opportunities in Egypt.

We also encourage Egyptian stakeholders to engage directly with Finnish companies in Finland. Cooperation between the Finnish Embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian Embassy in Helsinki already provides a strong foundation for further growth.

Looking ahead, sectors such as machinery, ICT, and healthcare offer particularly strong potential for increased Finnish investment.

Finland is known for its leadership in digitalisation. What opportunities exist for cooperation with Egypt in this field?

Finland has developed a highly advanced ICT ecosystem and is globally recognised as a leader in digital transformation. Companies such as Nokia are at the forefront of innovation, including next-generation technologies like 6G.

One area where Finland excels is digital public services. For instance, it operates one of the world’s most efficient online taxation systems, developed by Solita, which simplifies compliance by automatically calculating taxes and preparing returns for approval.

In addition, a comprehensive digital government platform developed by Gofore enables citizens to access a wide range of public services online—from passport applications to vehicle registration—eliminating the need for physical visits.

Egypt has already made important strides through initiatives such as the Digital Egypt platform, creating a strong foundation for collaboration, particularly in exchanging best practices and developing more advanced solutions.

There are significant opportunities for cooperation in ICT, including artificial intelligence, data centres, secure mobile networks, and broader digital transformation initiatives. Digitalisation and AI, in particular, can substantially enhance productivity across key sectors of the Egyptian economy.

What joint efforts are underway in sustainability and the green transition?

Finland’s approach to sustainability is based on collaboration, long-term planning, and science-based policymaking, bringing together government, private sector, academia, and civil society.

One key initiative is Finland’s support for the “Switch to Circular Economy” programme, implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Egypt under the name “One Circle”, which promotes resource efficiency and sustainable production.

A notable example is a refurbishment centre established by Nokia, focused on extending the lifecycle of mobile network equipment. The facility is already operational and has strong potential for expansion.

Finland also plays a leading role in the World Circular Economy Forum. Meanwhile, companies such as Wärtsilä are investing in breakthrough technologies, including power plants capable of operating on 100% hydrogen, an innovation with significant implications for Egypt’s energy transition.

What challenges do Finnish companies face in the Egyptian market?

We recognise and appreciate the significant efforts made by Egyptian authorities to improve the business environment. Reforms in areas such as customs management have been particularly noteworthy and send a positive signal to investors.

However, some challenges remain, particularly in customs clearance procedures and administrative processes. Addressing these issues will be important for enhancing Egypt’s competitiveness as a global logistics hub and gateway to Africa.

It is also important to note that Finland conducts its trade policy within the framework of the European Union, working closely with EU member states and the EU Delegation in Cairo to maintain continuous dialogue with Egyptian authorities.

Overall, while challenges persist, the trajectory is clearly positive, and ongoing reforms are expected to further improve the investment climate.

How does Finland view Egypt’s role as a logistics and trade hub?

Egypt’s strategic geographic location makes it ideally positioned to serve as a logistics and manufacturing hub for both Africa and the Middle East. Its access to major shipping routes and proximity to key markets offer clear advantages.

As a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Egypt provides access to a vast and growing African market. Many Egyptian companies already have a strong presence across the continent, creating opportunities for Finnish firms to collaborate and expand their footprint in Africa.

Are there emerging sectors that could drive future cooperation?

Yes, several emerging sectors offer promising opportunities. Finland has a vibrant gaming industry with annual revenues of nearly €3bn, led by globally recognised companies such as Supercell and Rovio Entertainment.

Finland also hosts Slush, one of the world’s leading startup events, connecting entrepreneurs with investors and global tech ecosystems.

Healthcare innovation is another promising area, particularly in women’s health, where Finland has developed specialised expertise through initiatives such as the Women’s Health Hub.

At the same time, Egypt’s dynamic and youthful startup ecosystem presents strong opportunities for collaboration. Initiatives like the Nordic Tech Hub in Cairo have already demonstrated the potential to connect Nordic innovation with Egypt’s development and sustainability goals.

Where do you see the greatest potential for strengthening cooperation in the coming years?

The priority is to continue expanding trade and investment flows in both directions. Finland and Egypt share a long history of commercial relations spanning more than a century, built on trust and mutual respect.

In today’s rapidly evolving global environment, strengthening these ties is more important than ever. The Finnish Embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian Embassy in Helsinki play a key role in facilitating business connections and supporting companies.

The establishment of the Finnish–Egyptian Trade Council and its Egyptian counterpart is another important step in strengthening institutional cooperation. These platforms will serve as key pillars in unlocking new opportunities.

Overall, the outlook for Finnish–Egyptian relations is highly promising, with strong potential to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable development.

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During talks with Finnish Water Envoy Antti Rautavaara, Sewilam praised the strong coordination between Egypt and Finland within the interactive dialogues of the UN Water Conference, commending Finland’s role in promoting trust-building and credible cooperation among states.

Both sides stressed the growing importance of international collaboration on water issues as climate change and increasing pressure on water resources intensify global challenges. They agreed that science-based dialogue and knowledge exchange remain essential pillars for sustainable water management and regional stability.

The discussions also underscored the need to respect the unique characteristics of different river basins and to strike a balance between national development requirements and international cooperation principles—particularly in addressing transboundary water challenges without compromising states’ rights or the interests of their peoples.

In a separate meeting with Mark Zeitoun, Director of the Geneva Water Hub, Sewilam highlighted ongoing cooperation in training and capacity-building for officials working on Nile water affairs. He said Egypt aims to expand this collaboration into a long-term institutional partnership, including training-of-trainers programmes and joint initiative development, in cooperation with the African Centre for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA), with the potential to extend across the African continent.

Sewilam also met Germany’s Deputy Environment Minister, where discussions focused on translating international water commitments into concrete implementation pathways. He called for these efforts to be supported by dedicated financing, technical assistance, effective monitoring tools, and enhanced transparency mechanisms.

The minister further stressed the importance of strengthening UN-Water’s monitoring role and expanding the mandate and resources of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water. He also urged a comprehensive review of global progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation, to help inform and shape the post-2030 international water agenda.

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Finland’s transformation began after the Second World War, when the country faced limited resources, geopolitical pressures, and no imperial or cultural reach to rely on. The strategic choice was to build a “knowledge state” grounded in equity rather than elite privilege, leading to a firm commitment to free, high-quality education for all, without class discrimination or a race driven by exams and rankings.

The Finnish education system, consistently among the world’s top performers, relies not on pressure or rote learning, but on trust, trust in teachers, in students, and in society itself. There are no harsh centralised exams in early education, no excessive homework, and no public ranking of schools. The underlying philosophy is simple: the child is not a racing project, but a human one. Education aims to produce thinking, responsible citizens rather than obedient employees shaped by fear of failure.

This success, however, was never isolated from cultural policy. Finland invested in public libraries as the backbone of civic life, not merely as book repositories. In cities and villages alike, libraries function as open, free spaces for learning, dialogue, and community interaction. Culture here is daily, accessible, and closely tied to lived experience, reinforcing the idea that knowledge belongs to everyone, not to elites.

Language played a central role as well. Despite Finnish having limited global reach, the state protected and developed it, linking it to creativity, education, and technology, while simultaneously encouraging multilingualism and openness without a sense of inferiority. This balance between identity and openness remains a cornerstone of Finnish stability.

The same philosophy appears in the management of cultural taste. Finnish metal music, now a global phenomenon, was not treated as marginal or threatening. Instead, the state supported it through serious music education and institutional frameworks, allowing it to mature into a global cultural export without moral panic or aesthetic policing.

A similar logic underpins Finland’s video game industry. Global companies emerged from an educational environment that promotes coding, teamwork, and experimentation without fear of failure. Video games are understood not as trivial entertainment, but as a modern cultural industry where creativity intersects with technology, storytelling, and collective imagination.

Culturally, Finland does not export noise, but accumulates what can be described as symbolic credibility. Music, design, literature, architecture, and digital culture are seen as integral to the economy and the country’s image. The state does not dictate taste; it creates conditions for it to grow freely and responsibly.

Most importantly, the Finnish experience shows that soft power does not require spectacle. A small country can be influential because it is trusted, coherent, and consistent over time. Good education, accessible culture, trust in citizens, and equity of opportunity have produced a Finnish presence that exceeds the country’s geographic and demographic size.

For Egypt, Finland offers no ready-made formula to replicate, but a clear lesson: when culture and education are treated as long-term state policies rather than seasonal projects or symbolic gestures, progress becomes a natural outcome, not a miracle.

Dr Ramy Galal is an Egyptian writer and academic specialising in public management and cultural policies. He has authored studies on cultural diplomacy, the orange economy, and restructuring Egypt’s cultural institutions.

Galal holds a PHD degree from Alexandria University, a master’s degree from the University of London, and a Diploma From the University of Chile.

A former senator, and former adviser and spokesperson for Egypt’s Ministry of Planning. He was also the spokesperson for the Egyptian Opposition Coalition.

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The national flag of Finland was raised and the country’s anthem was played for the first time at NATO headquarters on Tuesday afternoon in a brief ceremony.

“The era of military non-alignment in our history has come to an end. A new era begins,” Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto said at the ceremony, adding that he hoped to see neighbouring Sweden join soon. “Finland’s membership is not complete without that of Sweden.”

“This is a historic day. We welcome Finland as the newest member of our Alliance,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.

Finland received its formal invitation to join the Alliance from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier on Tuesday. In exchange, Finland’s Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto handed over his country’s instruments of accession, thus completing formalities.

As Finland did not stop investing in defence after the end of the Cold War, the country is bringing well-trained and well-equipped military forces with a high level of readiness, Stoltenberg said.

Finland’s NATO accession will not change the country’s foreign policy, Haavisto said during Tuesday’s ceremony.

“Finland’s membership isn’t targeted against anyone … Finland is a stable and predictable Nordic country that seeks peaceful resolution of disputes,” he said.

Finland and Sweden both applied for NATO membership in May last year and were formally invited to join the Alliance in June.

The accession process requires the approval of all member states. Türkiye was the last NATO member to ratify Finland’s accession bid, while Sweden’s path to the Alliance remains blocked by Türkiye and Hungary.

Regarding Sweden’s accession process, Stoltenberg said that Finland, Türkiye and Sweden will continue trilateral meetings on Stockholm’s bid.

Finland’s formal NATO accession elicited an immediate response from Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a press briefing on Tuesday that Russia considered it another aggravation of the situation. In Russia’s opinion, the expansion of the Alliance infringes on its security and national interests.

The expansion of NATO “forces Russia to take counter-measures to ensure its own security,” Peskov was quoted by Russia’s state-owned Sputnik News Agency as saying.

Commenting on Finland’s NATO accession, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it was an “ill-conceived step” that would negatively affect relations between Helsinki and Moscow.

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The talks focused on regional issues of common interest, including the Middle East peace process, African peace and security issues, and ways to strengthen cooperation frameworks between the AU and the EU in light of the outcomes of the sixth summit between the two sides in February 2022.

Earlier on Tuesday From-Emmesberger met with Assistant Secretary-General for International Political Affairs at the General Secretariat of the Arab League Khalid bin Mohammed Manzalawi.

The two sides held consultations on the latest developments in the Arab and international arenas, as well as ways to enhance cooperation.

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While the parliaments of several NATO member states have already approved the two Nordic countries’ bid to join the alliance, Turkey has so far not given its green light, citing as concerns the two countries’ ties with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and other groups Turkey labels as terrorists.

Ankara has also voiced its dissatisfaction with Sweden’s arms embargo on Turkey and despite hopes that these issues would be resolved ahead of the NATO summit in Madrid at the end of the month, Stoltenberg on Monday said that “the Madrid summit was never a deadline.”

“We are working to find the solution as soon as possible. But when many countries or several countries are involved, there is no way to say exactly when these countries are going to be able to agree,” he said.

During his meeting with Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto on Sunday, Stoltenberg called Turkey’s concerns “legitimate.” This was echoed by Sweden’s Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson.

“We take the Turkish concerns very seriously and other issues and not at least there are security concerns when it comes to the fight against terrorism,” Andersson said in a joint press conference with Stoltenberg on Monday at the prime minister’s official summer residence Harpsund some 120 kilometers west of Stockholm.

The NATO secretary general said that he was hopeful that the latest signals from Sweden and Finland would bring them one step closer to becoming members of the military alliance.

“We’re working hard and actively on these issues in close consultation with Stockholm, with Helsinki, and of course our NATO ally Turkey. And in that context, those signals from Sweden on terrorism and arms exports are important,” Stoltenberg said.

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Areas of cooperation between the two sides include waste management, biodiversity conservation, and support for the climate change issue. 

During the meeting, Fouad highlighted the state’s interest in developing the country’s waste management system over the past years and the issuance of the first waste management law in Egypt, which is based on the philosophy of a revolving economy and the involvement of the private sector. 

The minister added that supporting emerging markets and entrepreneurship in the field of waste management is one of the most important mechanisms for engaging the private sector, guided by the success story of the partnership in the field of biogas, through the ministry’s Bioenergy Corporation as a non-profit entity to train, build capacities, and support young people to establish biogas units in rural areas. 

The ministry has also established start-ups for young entrepreneurs in the field of designing, implementing, and maintaining biogas units, which have so far reached 2,000 units in different regions of Upper Egypt.

Fouad added that Egypt is interested in spreading the idea of ​​ecotourism, where — in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — the first project for the transformation of sustainable ecotourism will be launched so that diving centres in Sharm El-Sheikh, for example, will be rehabilitated to obtain a “GREEN FINS” accreditation. 

She further stressed Egypt’s aspiration to cooperate with Finland in the field of technology transfer, especially in the areas of transforming waste into energy, electronic waste, biogas, eco-tourism, renewable energy, and solar water desalination.

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They discussed ways to exchange experiences with Finland, especially in the technical education field.

Shawky presented the developments achieved by Egypt within the framework of the education system reform program, in addition to developing curriculum and training teachers.

 He indicated that the Ministry is working to reform technical education, and attract more students, by linking technical education to the global labor market, and creating new tracks for  artificial intelligence, jewelry making, programming, and port work, in order to meet the labor market needs.

The Finnish officials asserted their readiness to cooperate with Egypt, pointing out that they closely followed up on developments in the education system in Egypt.

They asserted that the reform programme carried out by Egypt is similar to the educational procedures and systems in Finland.

 In this regard, they reviewed the organizational structure of the education and vocational education system in Finland, in addition to ways to formulate educational policies and develop curricula as well as ways to qualify teachers. They asserted that the new education system aims at increasing the student’s knowledge, learning and communication skills.

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