The two countries are celebrating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay an official visit to Egypt on October 15-16. This will be his first bilateral visit to Egypt, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.

​During the visit, EAM Jaishankar will discuss a range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

He will also interact with the Indian community based in Egypt, including students, and address a gathering of Egyptian and Indian business community, the MEA added.

​India and Egypt traditionally enjoy warm and friendly relations underpinned by historical and cultural linkages. Both countries are celebrating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year. Egypt has been invited as a ‘Guest Country’ during India’s Presidency of G-20 in 2022-23.

According to the MEA, Egypt has been one of India’s largest trading partners in Africa and the promotion of bilateral trade, commerce and investments will be one of the focus areas during the visit. India - Egypt bilateral trade touched a record high at US$ 7.26 billion during FY 2021-22. Indian investment in Egypt exceeds US$ 3.15 billion.

Over 50 Indian companies are actively present in Egypt in a range of sectors like manufacturing, chemicals, energy, infrastructure, retail etc.

"​EAM’s visit to Egypt will provide an opportunity to review the entire gamut of our bilateral and multilateral relations and to exchange views with the Egyptian leadership covering whole range of issues of mutual interest. The visit provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation and explore new initiatives in the bilateral partnership," the MEA pointed out.