Cairo: The book titled ‘Strategic Balance: Features of Egyptian Foreign Policy in 10 Years,’ released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, highlights a significant shift in Egyptian diplomacy from a traditional focus on politics and security to a development-centered approach known as ‘Diplomacy for Development.’ This transformation underscores the growing recognition of Egyptian diplomacy as a pivotal tool for advancing national economic goals, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing Egypt’s stature as a proactive global participant.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the publication emphasizes that in today’s rapidly changing global environment, diplomacy must encompass economic, environmental, and social objectives alongside traditional political and security concerns. Egyptian diplomacy has increasingly sought to leverage foreign policy to support national development plans, attract foreign investments, expand trade, and strengthen regional and international partnerships. This multifaceted approach positions Egypt as a model for balanced diplomacy that aligns international engagement with domestic development priorities.
A central theme of the book is the emergence of economic diplomacy as a core pillar of Egypt’s foreign policy, especially after the June 30, 2013 revolution and the launch of the country’s comprehensive development agenda in 2014 under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. Egyptian diplomacy has been instrumental in explaining internal developments to the international community while promoting investment opportunities and economic stability. Embassies and missions abroad have been tasked with engaging business communities, opening new markets for Egyptian exports, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in priority sectors, and supporting the localization of industries and technologies according to national development plans.
Egyptian economic diplomacy has also been integral in supporting major national projects and strategic sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, transport, and logistics. In the energy sector, efforts have focused on positioning Egypt as a regional hub, attracting investment in renewable energy and green hydrogen, and promoting Egyptian priorities in regional and international energy frameworks, most notably the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum. In transport and logistics, diplomatic initiatives have emphasized Egypt’s strategic role in global supply chains, ensuring that new trade corridors do not undermine national interests, and reinforcing the Suez Canal’s critical function in global commerce.
The book highlights Egypt’s proactive role in multilateral and regional economic organizations as part of its broader development-focused foreign policy. Over the past decade, Egyptian diplomacy has emphasized defending the interests of developing countries, coordinating positions within economic forums, and participating in major global platforms such as the G20, the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Egypt’s invitation to participate in the G20 in 2016 marked a milestone in international recognition of Egypt’s growing economic and political role, reflecting the cumulative impact of sustained diplomatic efforts to restore confidence in Egypt’s development trajectory.
The book stresses that Egypt’s foreign policy is now organically linked to domestic development priorities. Diplomatic initiatives are designed not merely to manage international relations but to directly support national economic reform, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth. Egyptian diplomacy incorporates three strategic axes: promoting national economic interests through embassies, supporting strategic domestic projects, and actively engaging in international and regional organizations to create favorable conditions for economic growth. This integrated approach ensures that Egypt’s foreign policy amplifies the impact of its domestic development programs and maximizes returns from international partnerships.
A notable aspect of the book is its emphasis on integrating environmental sustainability into foreign policy. Egyptian diplomacy has increasingly promoted climate and environmental considerations as part of its international agenda, aligning with global trends toward sustainable development. By linking economic diplomacy with environmental objectives, Egypt positions itself as a responsible actor that balances growth with ecological and social considerations, reflecting the broader goals of the country’s long-term development strategy.