Kuala Lumpur:Malaysia and Egypt have exchanged four memoranda of understanding (MoUs) focusing on women's empowerment, higher education, tourism, and investment. This move is part of an effort to strengthen bilateral relations after more than 60 years of diplomatic ties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the exchange occurred during the two-day state visit of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Malaysia. This visit aims to inject new momentum into efforts to elevate the countries' relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri signed the MoU on women's empowerment for Malaysia, while Egyptian Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates Minister Dr. Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty represented Egypt. The MoU on higher education was signed by Malaysia's Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir and Abdelatty.

Tourism cooperation was formalized by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing for Malaysia and again by Abdelatty for Egypt. The investment MoU involved Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Egypt's Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Dr. Mohamed Farid Saleh, representing their respective countries.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and El-Sisi witnessed the MoU exchanges. Prior to the exchanges, Anwar and El-Sisi conducted bilateral discussions at the Seri Perdana Complex, focusing on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, and addressing regional and international developments.

The strategic partnership is anticipated to enhance cooperation frameworks between the two nations. Notably, bilateral trade between Malaysia and Egypt surged by 74.7 percent to RM3.49 billion (USD0.87 billion) in the first eight months of 2026, exceeding the RM3.08 billion (USD0.72 billion) total for 2025.

In 2025, Egypt was Malaysia's seventh-largest trading partner in Africa, with Malaysian exports at RM2.55 billion (USD0.60 billion) and imports from Egypt totaling RM530 million (USD0.12 billion).

Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Egypt were established in 1959, with ongoing cooperation in education, trade, investment, and discussions on regional and international issues. El-Sisi's visit, invited by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, marks his first state visit to Malaysia since taking office in June 2014. The visit also featured an exhibition of the new Proton Saga and Modenas models, highlighting Malaysia's automotive industry.