Mumbai: Mumbai and Alexandria may soon share a formal partnership, as Kamel Zayed Galal, the newly appointed Egyptian Ambassador to India, has proposed a twinning arrangement between the two cities. Highlighting the deep-rooted ties and mutual commitment to peace and cooperation between India and Egypt, he emphasised the potential for stronger collaboration.
During his tenure, the Ambassador aims to translate the Indo-Egypt Strategic Partnership Pact, signed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, into concrete initiatives. He made these remarks while meeting Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai, on February 28. The Consul General of Egypt in Mumbai, Dahlia Tawakol, was also present.
As part of enhancing cultural and academic cooperation, Ambassador Galal proposed an MoU between the Library of Alexandria and the Asiatic Society of Mumbai. He also emphasised Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Green Hydrogen as key areas for future collaboration and encouraged Indian businesses to set up offices and warehouses in Egypt.
The Ambassador lauded the transformative leadership of Prime Minister Modi and President Sisi, stating that when it comes to strengthening Egypt-India ties, “Mars is the limit.” He also highlighted Egypt’s Free Trade Agreements with 110 countries, including the European Union, Arab nations, and Latin America, noting that closer economic ties with India would enhance global market access for Indian businesses.
Welcoming the Ambassador to Maharashtra, Governor Radhakrishnan recalled the historic India-Egypt bond, rooted in the Non-Aligned Movement, co-founded by Jawaharlal Nehru and Gamal Abdel Nasser. He also pointed out that the upcoming Navi Mumbai Airport and the completion of Vadhawan Port near Mumbai would further boost trade between the two nations.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and cooperation in the years ahead.
