Egypt renews invitation to PM Shehbaz to visit Cairo

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has renewed an invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to visit Cairo, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar responding positively to the offer during a telephone conversation on Sunday.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), the two foreign ministers discussed regional and international developments, as well as preparations for the upcoming R4 and R4+E4 meetings in Europe.

Both sides stressed the need to strengthen coordination on regional matters and intensify diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability. Dar thanked his Egyptian counterpart for the invitation and conveyed a positive response to the proposed visit.

The ministers also agreed to maintain close contact and continue consultations on issues of mutual interest.

Pakistan and Egypt have been expanding their diplomatic engagement in recent months, with both countries seeking stronger cooperation in trade, defence and regional affairs.

During Abdelatty’s visit to Islamabad in November 2025, the two countries agreed to establish a Pakistan-Egypt Business Council and Business Forum. They also discussed facilitating visa procedures for Pakistani businesspeople and doubling scholarships for Pakistani students at Cairo’s Al-Azhar University.

The two countries have also maintained close consultations on regional security and developments in the Middle East.

In September, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye met on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Their discussions focused on regional tensions, diplomatic efforts and ways to promote lasting peace and stability.

During the meeting, the four countries condemned attacks against Saudi Arabia, including recent Houthi attacks, and reaffirmed their support for the kingdom’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.

They also emphasised dialogue and diplomacy as essential tools for resolving regional disputes. The ministers called for adherence to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and reiterated their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

Meanwhile, the upcoming R4 engagement in Istanbul has gained significance following the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7.

Under the agreement, an armed attack against one signatory will be considered an attack against all three countries. The pact also provides for closer military coordination, joint exercises and cooperation in defence technology.

Pakistan and Türkiye have maintained that the agreement is defensive in nature and is not directed against any particular country.

Egypt’s possible inclusion in the emerging defence arrangement has also attracted attention because of its military strength and strategic importance in the region. Turkish officials had previously indicated that Cairo could potentially join the arrangement in the future.

However, Egypt was not among the signatories when Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye finalised the agreement in Makkah.

The renewed invitation to Prime Minister Shehbaz reflects continued efforts by Islamabad and Cairo to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation on regional and international issues.