Cairo: Egypt's Ambassador to Japan, Ragy el Etreby, commended Japan for its significant involvement in the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Japan was represented through four high-level delegations from the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the Japanese government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

According to State Information Service Egypt, Etreby's remarks came during a meeting with Kunimitsu Ayano, Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs. Ayano expressed her enthusiasm to visit Cairo as a special envoy of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for the museum's official inauguration ceremony.

The Japanese official highlighted Japan's pride in its strategic partnership with Egypt, indicating that her trip to Cairo would mark her first overseas mission since taking office.

Ambassador Etreby emphasized that Japan's participation underscores its role as a strategic partner and major development financier for this cultural project. He reiterated that bolstering economic, investment, and tourism ties with Japan remains a priority for Egypt.

He also pointed out Egypt's strategic position as a gateway to Arab, African, and European markets. The meeting further addressed humanitarian developments in Gaza, with the Japanese State Minister commending Egypt's efforts in brokering a ceasefire and aiding reconstruction efforts.