Singapore ambassador: Bilateral ties with Egypt stronger than ever, opportunities ahead

CAIRO - 29 JULY 2025: Singapore’s Ambassador to Egypt, His Excellency Dominic Goh, reaffirmed the growing depth of relations between Egypt and Singapore during an exclusive interview with Q-News, highlighting shared strategic priorities, expanding economic ties, and promising avenues for future cooperation.

Ambassador Goh, a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of service, emphasized that the partnership between Cairo and Singapore is broad-based and resilient, covering economic investment, cultural exchange, regional coordination, and infrastructure development. "The relationship is strong across all areas,” he said, noting Singapore is now among Egypt’s top Asian investors, with nearly $800 million in investments across logistics, ports, plastics, IT, and agriculture.

In light of Singapore’s upcoming National Day and the 60th anniversary of its independence, Ambassador Goh described the timing of the conversation as symbolic. He noted that next year will also mark 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Singapore—a milestone both sides are preparing to celebrate through high-level visits and new cooperation announcements.

On trade and investment, Ambassador Goh underscored Egypt’s strategic geographic location and improved business climate as attractive for Singaporean manufacturers seeking access to Africa, Europe, and Asia. He welcomed Egypt’s recent economic reforms and called for increased awareness of these changes among Asian investors. A key platform in that effort will be the upcoming Africa–Singapore Business Forum in Singapore, where Egypt’s General Authority for Investment (GAFI) will play a central role.

Addressing regional issues, Ambassador Goh praised Egypt’s pivotal humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in Gaza. He confirmed Singapore’s strong support for a two-state solution and the immediate need for a ceasefire. “Singapore has contributed over $15 million in aid to Gaza,” he said, adding that the Singapore Red Cross is actively coordinating with its Egyptian counterpart to address urgent needs.

The ambassador also stressed the importance of joint engagement in international forums such as the UN, WTO, and ASEAN, noting Egypt’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in 2016 as a significant step forward.

In the infrastructure sector, Ambassador Goh revealed ongoing cooperation in port management and logistics, including projects with the Suez Canal Economic Zone and Egypt’s Maritime Transport Authority. While details remain confidential, he hinted at forthcoming announcements and expressed optimism about replicating successful pilot projects across Egypt’s extensive port network.

Turning to climate change, he pointed to new areas of potential cooperation in carbon markets, green energy, and net-zero initiatives. He praised Egypt’s growing role in African climate diplomacy and welcomed the country’s recent launch of a voluntary carbon market.

Culturally, Ambassador Goh highlighted the mutual admiration between the peoples of Egypt and Singapore, citing educational exchanges and shared heritage programs. He revealed ongoing efforts to bring the “Ramses the Great” exhibition—currently touring global capitals—to Singapore, to foster deeper appreciation for Egypt’s historical legacy.

Concluding the interview, Ambassador Goh commended Egypt’s safety, hospitality, and cultural richness, describing it as a “life goal” destination for many Singaporeans. “Egypt sells itself,” he remarked, pointing to the nation’s enduring appeal.

As both countries look to celebrate six decades of partnership, the ambassador expressed confidence that Egypt and Singapore will continue to deepen ties across diplomacy, trade, technology, and people-to-people connections—cementing a relationship built on shared values and mutual respect.