By Adnan Hameed TWA _____ The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Islamabad recently celebrated Egyptian National Day with grandeur and diplomacy, underscoring the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between Egypt and Pakistan.

The commemorative event, held at a local hotel in Islamabad, was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Raja Zafar UL Haq, PMLN, religious scholar - Peer Naqeeb ur Rehman, political leaders, business community members, and media representatives. The evening commenced with the reverent rendition of the national anthems of both Egypt and Pakistan, symbolizing the unity and respect between the two nations.

In his address, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Dr. Ihab Abdelhamid, delved into Egypt's rich history, tracing its origins back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest civilizations. Ambassador Ihab spotlighted the strong relationship between Pakistan and Egypt, emphasizing the shared values and mutual respect that underpin their bilateral relations. “The strengthening of bilateral relations with Pakistan remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s foreign policy,” Ambassador Abdelhamid affirmed, expressing determination to enhance cooperation across diverse sectors such as trade, tourism, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industry. Highlighting the enduring ties between Egypt and Pakistan, Ambassador Abdelhamid recalled Egypt’s early recognition of Pakistan’s independence in 1947 and the subsequent establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948. He underscored the stable and cooperative nature of Egyptian-Pakistani relations, emphasizing mutual support on international issues and joint efforts in multilateral forums.

Chief Guest Rana Tanveer Hussain thanked the Egyptian Ambassador for inviting him as the chief guest. During his remarks, he congratulated the Egyptian people on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan on their National Day. He also highlighted the deep-rooted relations and bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

The highlight of the evening was a cake-cutting ceremony, where Chief Guest Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ambassador Dr. Ihab Abdelhamid, alongwith Mohammed Motahar Alashabi, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen, Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki - Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Karmoune - Ambassador of Morocco, Hamed Abbas Lagta - Ambassador of Iraq, Dr Ramez Alraee - Ambassador of Syria and other dignitaries participated to mark Egypt’s National Day. The event underscored the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and Egypt.

The Embassy of Egypt also showcased a cultural and informative video documentary, offering guests an immersive glimpse into Egypt's ancient civilization and rich cultural heritage. Additionally, the event featured a display of traditional handicrafts and scale models of iconic Egyptian monuments, providing a tangible connection to Egypt's historical and cultural legacy. At the end, guests were treated to a delectable array of traditional Egyptian cuisine, served with warmth and hospitality by the Egyptian Embassy, adding a flavorful touch to the diplomatic festivities.