July 23rd marks the National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt. It offers Egyptians opportunity to reflect on past achievements and look forward to a brighter future, and allows us to express satisfaction at the state of Egyptian-Japanese relations and continue joint action to further consolidate our partnership.

I would like, on this occasion, on behalf of H.E. President Mohamed Hosny Mubarak and the government and people of Egypt, to convey deepest respect to Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress, and to H.E. Prime Minister Naoto Kan. I would also like to express gratitude to the government and people of Japan for the sincere friendship they have consistently accorded Egypt.

We witnessed, over the past year, developments contributing to enhancing our relationship. They came amid momentum generated by the meeting of June 2008 between President Mubarak and then Prime Minister Fukuda, aimed at further solidifying foundations of both countries' partnership.

The framework for our ongoing cooperation has been Egypt-Japan Partnership Program, adopted during President Mubarak's 1999 visit to Tokyo. Our long engagement has both demonstrated Japan's recognition of Egypt's geopolitical importance and pivotal regional and global role, and reflected Tokyo's commitment to strengthen strategic partnership with Egypt in the Arab World and Africa. As Egypt has assumed the Presidency of the Non-Aligned Movement starting July 2009, Egyptian-Japanese cooperation would have even more positive ramifications for world affairs, demonstrated by the latest NPT Review Conference held in New York in May 2010.

To pursue bilateral consultations, already existing between Egypt and Japan, we held 15th round of political consultations and 6th round of cultural consultations in December 2009 and April 2010 respectively.

Egypt and Japan are cooperating on projects that will leave enduring imprint on our bilateral relationship. We proceed with constructing "The Grand Egyptian Museum", to be completed by mid-2012. Both countries agreed last February to establish the largest wind farm in the region.

Egypt-Japan University for Science and Technology (EJUST), also open for Arab and African students, was inaugurated in June 2010. On the same day, a bilateral scientific and technological cooperation agreement was signed.

Last year witnessed relative decline in both bilateral trade and Japanese tourism flow to Egypt due to negative repercussions of the global financial crisis. We are determined to reverse this trend to further expand and diversify trade. Moreover, 2010 first half promised a larger flow of Japanese tourists to Egypt this year. Although satisfied with increase in private Japanese investments in Egypt in 2009, we work for their further increase and diversification.

During Tourism Promotion Year of Egypt in Japan in 2009, both Governments agreed to increase direct daily flights of Egypt Air from Cairo to both Narita and Kansai by almost 140%, giving boost to tourism, trade, cultural and human exchange. In 2009 as well, Egypt had a special representation at JATA's Annual Conference and Exhibition; a Panorama of Egyptian Cinema took place in the context of Tokyo International Film Festival; and the first "Japan-Egypt Forum" convened to discuss issues of common interest.

This year was declared "Year of Media Promotion of Egypt in Japan", to increase awareness about Egypt, both ancient and contemporary, in Japan. Among its activities was visit of Engineer Ibrahim Elmoallem, a prominent Egyptian publisher, in February 2010, upon invitation from Japan Foundation, to discuss a translation project between Egypt and Japan. A following visit was by His Eminence Grand Mufti of Egypt, Dr. Ali Gomaa, in March 2010, upon invitation from Japanese government, to meet with Japanese Foreign Minister; leaders of different religions in Japan; and to present Egypt's official Islamic institution contribution to promote tolerance, peace, moderation, and environment protection. A third visit was that of Dr. Abdel-Moneim Said, CEO of AlAhram Press Foundation, upon invitation from Japanese government, also in March 2010, to discuss with senior Japanese officials and scholars how to further promote not only Egyptian/Japanese, but also Arab/Japanese, relations. He also met with heads of Japanese NGOs, press and media foundations to enhance media cooperation. I had the honor of addressing the opening session of the 26th annual conference of the Japanese Association of Middle Eastern Studies in May. Egypt also participated this month in Tokyo International Book Fair.

Egypt and Japan are partners in trilateral cooperation in African and Arab countries. EJUST and CARD initiative to double rice production in Africa are only two examples. There is prospect for further expanding this cooperation.

Moreover, Egypt and Japan coordinate on multilateral affairs. Bilateral consultations regarding both disarmament and United Nations issues took place earlier this year. Both countries pursue consultations on environmental issues and inter-culture dialogue. I was honored to participate at the 8th round of Japan Islamic Civilizational Dialogue in Tokyo in February; a dialogue which I was honored to participate at its first round in 2002.

The above-mentioned accomplishments are milestones in a long history of Egyptian/Japanese interaction that began 149 years ago and has been sustained by dedicated efforts on both sides. We have nurtured what we consider to be a unique relationship, and we believe that the prospects that we both are interested in exploring are unlimited.