Jakob Granit, Director General of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), visited Cairo as part of a broader regional tour across the Middle East. The visit underscores Sweden's commitment to strengthening partnerships, addressing critical developmental challenges, and amplifying the impact of ongoing cooperation in the region. During his stay, Granit engaged in high-level discussions with Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation, and Walid Al-Haqiqi, Director General of Planning at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. He also participated in the ministerial conference on humanitarian response in Gaza, co-hosted by Egypt and the United Nations. Granit reiterated Sweden's strong support for humanitarian efforts in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency of coordinated action to deliver aid effectively and calling for an immediate ceasefire to mitigate the humanitarian crisis. On the sidelines of the visit, the Swedish Embassy in Cairo hosted a high-level event to celebrate the strategic partnership between Sweden and Egypt. Granit highlighted opportunities for collaboration, with a focus on Swedish-supported initiatives in areas such as job creation, sustainable transport, trade, and migration. These efforts aim to tackle pressing challenges while advancing sustainable development in the Middle East and North Africa. Additionally, Granit participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from Swedish companies and international financial institutions operating in Egypt. The dialogue centered on aligning Sweden's development priorities with Egypt's national goals, ensuring impactful and coherent contributions to shared objectives. Sweden's Ambassador to Egypt, Håkan Emsgård, remarked: "This visit underscores the long-standing and growing partnership between Sweden and Egypt. By fostering dialogue and deepening cooperation, Sweden aims to ensure its development efforts align with Egypt's priorities and contribute significantly to the broader regional context." Sida, Sweden's government agency for international development cooperation, is committed to improving living conditions for people facing poverty and oppression. Guided by the Swedish government's reform agenda, Sida focuses on freedom, empowerment, and sustainable growth. The agency's initiatives are funded by Swedish taxpayers, ensuring transparency and accountability in addressing global challenges. Granit's visit serves as a reaffirmation of Sweden's dedication to fostering partnerships that drive meaningful and sustainable change in Egypt and the broader region.
