Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said that Egypt and Japan share strong and historic ties, expressing appreciation for Japan's financial and technical support in establishing the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which he described as a cultural gift from Egypt to the world.

According to State Information Service Egypt, these remarks came during the PM's talks with a Japanese delegation, headed by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, attending the museum's opening ceremony. The meeting was also attended by Planning Minister Rania Mashat, Assistant Foreign Minister Amr Hamza, and Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Iwai Fumio.

Madbouli praised cooperation between the two countries in education, health, renewable energy, and aviation, noting Japan's role in developing Borg El Arab Airport. He also mentioned the success of Japanese schools in Egypt and the plan to expand them from 100 to 500, along with introducing artificial intelligence courses into Egypt's education system.

For her part, Koike expressed her pleasure in attending the museum opening and meeting Madbouli again, praising the growing partnership between Cairo and Tokyo in various sectors, including environmental protection and student exchange programs. Meanwhile, Mashat commended Japan's expertise and efficiency, calling for stronger cooperation in entrepreneurship and private sector investment.