Tokyo: Minister of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania el Mashat met with Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University (UNU), to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral cooperation. The meeting occurred during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), where Egypt was represented by a high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.According to State Information Service Egypt, Mashat emphasized the joint cooperation efforts within the transformative role of UNU, which was established in 1975 to connect research institutes across continents and promote scientific research for sustainable development, especially in Global South nations. She underlined the importance of TICAD 9 as a platform for broadening cooperation and partnerships between Japan and African countries, as well as regional and international organizations.Mashat affirmed the government's commitmen t to strengthening partnerships with UN organizations and international institutions to bolster sustainable development initiatives. She detailed national plans to localize technology, develop an artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, and form a national AI council to stay abreast of technological advancements critical for progress in various sectors.She expressed eagerness for collaboration with UNU, emphasizing Egypt's historical partnership with the UN as a founding member. Marwala echoed the UNU's interest in continuing and expanding cooperation with the Egyptian government to support its digital transformation, AI, human capital development, and other areas vital for sustainable development.