CAIRO - 25 June 2026: Engineer Margaret Sarofim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity, met with Ms. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, during her current official visit to Japan.
The meeting took place in Tokyo, the Japanese capital, and was attended by Ambassador Ragi El-Etreby, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Japan.
The meeting aimed to strengthen Egyptian-Japanese cooperation and exchange expertise in the field of human development.
Early Childhood Support
The Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity emphasized the distinguished strategic relations between Egypt and Japan, praising the warm reception of the Egyptian delegation in Tokyo.
She affirmed that the visit provided an important opportunity to learn firsthand about Japan's pioneering experience in the fields of elderly care and early childhood development, which are priorities for the Egyptian state and enjoy broad attention and support from the political leadership.
Early Childhood Program
Sarofim emphasized that the visit program included learning about several successful Japanese models and experiences that reflect a comprehensive vision that places human beings at the forefront of public policy.
She noted that Japan has succeeded in building a sophisticated system for providing high-quality services and programs for children and the elderly, enhancing the quality of life and strengthening intergenerational bonds.
The Japanese experience, according to Sarofim, represents an inspiring model that can be utilized in developing social policies and programs, thus supporting the Egyptian state's efforts to invest in human capital and build a more inclusive and sustainable society.
Sarofim further stated that the Ministry of Social Solidarity believes in the importance of investing in early childhood as the foundation for building character and developing capabilities.
She also believes that providing a dignified and safe life for the elderly reflects the values of respect and social solidarity in a society.
Investing in Early Childhood
For her part, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike emphasized the deep-rooted relations between the two countries, noting the 35-year-old twinning agreement between Cairo and Tokyo governorates and the fruitful cooperation these strategic ties have yielded in numerous fields, particularly education.
She also reviewed Tokyo's education system and curricula, addressing the demographic challenges and population issues facing Japan.
She outlined policies supporting families, including expanding financial assistance and providing social and economic services to encourage enrollment in preschools and various educational stages, thereby contributing to family support and stimulating birth rates.
The Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity reviewed a presentation by Mr. Hiroyuki Ochiai, Director of the Childcare Support Department at the Tokyo Social Welfare Bureau, on the early childhood system and the role of nurseries in the Japanese capital.
Ms. Sarofim and her accompanying delegation also visited a model of home-based nursery and learned about the Japanese experience in this field. This model aims to support working mothers and is characterized by its flexibility, low cost, and integration with Japanese child-rearing culture.
Dr. Ahmed Saada, Executive Director of the Fund for Supporting Projects of Associations and NGOs, and Ahoud Wafi, Executive Director of the Fund for the Care of the Elderly, also visited a senior citizen care home, where they received a detailed explanation of the services provided by the Japanese side.
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