Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital on Wednesday, proposing a direct logistics corridor between Egypt’s seaports and Slovenia’s Port of Koper.
Madbouly suggested expanding the existing Alexandria‑Koper connection to include the Red Sea ports of Ain Sokhna and Damietta. The goal, he said, is to streamline Egyptian exports to the European Union and give Slovenia a reliable gateway to African markets.
The discussion took place alongside an economic forum in Cairo where a Slovenian delegation of 25 firms, including 15 logistics and infrastructure companies, presented their interests. Representatives from the Port of Koper also attended.
In addition to the maritime plan, Madbouly announced Egypt’s intention to negotiate a labour migration pact that would send Egyptian workers to sectors identified by Slovenia. He said the arrangement would follow similar agreements Cairo has signed with other European states.
President Pirc Musar highlighted the automotive industry as a priority for cooperation, citing Slovenia’s manufacturing know‑how. Madbouly replied that localising electric‑vehicle production is a top investment focus for Egypt, alongside telecoms, IT and pharmaceuticals.
The leaders also explored collaboration in tourism, artificial intelligence, chemistry and biology, noting existing university links between Cairo and Ljubljana. Madbouly proposed sending leading Egyptian students to the Jožef Stefan Institute and other Slovenian institutions.
Madbouly cited the Iskraemeco plant, owned by Egypt’s Elsewedy Electric, as a key Egyptian investment in Slovenia’s energy sector. He reminded the audience that Egypt was the first Arab and African nation to recognise Slovenia after its 1991 independence.
The prime minister praised Slovenia’s stance on international humanitarian law concerning the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and ambassador Nahla El Zawahry.