Copenhagen recently played host to a historical occasion as President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen inked a declaration to establish a strategic partnership between their nations. This significant diplomatic event marks President El-Sisi’s inaugural visit to the Danish capital and sets the stage for enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors.
During a joint press conference, both leaders emphasized the mutual understanding and commitment to advancing bilateral relations. President El-Sisi highlighted the strategic partnership as a pivotal move to bolster ties in political, economic, cultural, and investment arenas. The declaration heralds the creation of the Egyptian-Danish Business Council and includes several memoranda of understanding aimed at fostering cooperation.
A key focus of the agreement is the expansion of collaborations in maritime transport, energy, and the green transition—an area where Denmark has established a global leadership position. The partnership also encompasses health, scientific research, agriculture, tourism, and communication technology. Importantly, both nations are committed to addressing pressing global challenges such as illegal migration, terrorism, poverty, and desertification.
President El-Sisi expressed his gratitude for Denmark’s understanding and support of Egypt’s critical water security needs, amid the country’s acute water scarcity issues. This concern is underscored by a United Nations report highlighting that Egypt faces a yearly water deficit of around 7 billion cubic meters.
The discussion expanded to pressing regional concerns, including the Palestinian issue. El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s dedication to mediating a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and emphasized the necessity of establishing an independent Palestinian State, based on pre-1967 borders, as essential for regional stability.
Both leaders voiced deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, underscoring the importance of unobstructed humanitarian aid. President El-Sisi called for sustained international efforts to facilitate a lasting peace.
Turning their attention to Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan, El-Sisi and Frederiksen acknowledged recent diplomatic strides, such as the Lebanese ceasefire, and stressed the need for continued peace-building efforts under United Nations guidance.
The strategic partnership also promises enhanced cooperation on security matters concerning the Red Sea and offers a unified stance on the Ukrainian crisis, advocating for diplomatic resolutions that respect state sovereignty. Experts from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) noted that this partnership could serve as a model for other nations seeking to balance regional security with global diplomacy.
This historic agreement between Egypt and Denmark not only cements their roles as key players on the international stage but also lays a foundation for future collaborations aimed at fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the Middle East and beyond.
