Egypt, UK to announce strategic partnership during Starmer visit – Ambassador Ashraf Swelam
Egypt and the United Kingdom are expected to announce an elevated Strategic Partnership during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s planned visit to Egypt in July, Egypt’s ambassador to London said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the British Egyptian Business Association’s (BEBA) 2026 Investment Business Mission, Ambassador Ashraf Swelam said the expected agreement would mark a significant milestone in bilateral relations and provide a framework for expanding cooperation across a range of sectors.
The announcement is expected during Starmer’s anticipated visit to Egypt on 9 July, Swelam said, describing the Strategic Partnership as the highest level of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
He said the partnership will establish a broader framework for advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and strengthening ties between the two countries.
Swelam also highlighted the strength of economic relations between Egypt and Britain, noting that the United Kingdom remains one of Egypt’s largest foreign investors, with cumulative investments approaching $22 billion.
He said the business mission aims to build on existing economic ties, attract additional investment, and identify new opportunities for cooperation between Egyptian and British companies.
The ambassador said recent regional conflicts and security challenges had underscored the importance of close coordination between Egypt and the United Kingdom in supporting stability, economic development, and regional security.
He also pointed to the resilience of Egypt’s economy despite regional and global challenges, saying the country continues to advance economic reforms and offer investment opportunities across multiple sectors.
The BEBA mission brought together senior Egyptian government officials, investors, and business leaders in London to discuss investment opportunities and Egypt’s economic reform programme as Cairo seeks to attract greater foreign investment and deepen economic ties with Britain.