Canada’s Ambassador to Egypt, Ulric Shannon, emphasized the strong ties between the two nations during a roundtable with journalists, highlighting cooperation in trade, peacekeeping, cultural exchange and diplomatic relations.
In his first roundtable discussion since assuming his role, Canada's Ambassador to Egypt, Ulric Shannon, reflected on the deep historical ties between the two countries, underscoring decades of collaboration in economic development, education, and regional stability.
He invoked an Egyptian proverb -- those who drink from the Nile must return to it -- to express his connection to Egypt, where he began his diplomatic career two decades ago.
Canada and Egypt have fostered partnerships in trade, investment, and peacekeeping, he stated, adding that Canada has invested over $1 billion in Egypt over 40 years, supporting sustainable growth and education.
From the 1956 UN mission to the ongoing Canadian Forces' presence in Sinai, security cooperation remains a cornerstone, he noted.
The ambassador highlighted the Canadian-Egyptian community's role and language as bridges for mutual understanding, adding that the discussion set the stage for deeper collaboration in the coming decades.
The roundtable reinforced Canada's commitment to strengthening ties with Egypt, with the ambassador expressing optimism for future joint initiatives.
"There are 20,000 Egyptian students enrolled either in a Canadian university or school in Egypt, and Canada has a good reputation in the field of education, with partnerships to establish schools and universities in Egypt following the Canadian curriculum.
There is also cooperation in the health sector between the two countries with a priority on providing basic health services for women and girls in remote and underserved areas. The current Canadian development program, which is valued at approximately $8-9 million annually, focuses on gender equality, economic empowerment, food security, reproductive health, and climate change resilience, with a particular emphasis on the most disadvantaged populations in Upper Egypt and the Nile Delta," Ambassador Shannon told Ahram Online.
The ambassador expressed his country's deep appreciation for Egypt's efforts in managing regional crises, particularly its efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid.
He emphasized that Canada is closely monitoring the situation there with grave concern.
Regarding tourism between the two countries, Shannon indicated the operation of direct flights between Cairo and Toronto five times a week, mostly carrying dual nationals.
He highlighted that Canadian tourists tend to favor the Red Sea region and historical sites and that he and the Egyptian ambassador in Canada coordinate in encouraging Canadians to visit Egypt.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
