Egypt visit characterised by impactful meetings and deepened cooperation

“This visit demonstrated how Egypt, despite its challenges, is playing a key humanitarian role. The country is receiving injured Palestinians and enabling relief efforts, while continuing to carry out an extensive reform of its health and medical care system. Ambitions are high, and a number of the discussions were about how Sweden and Swedish actors can contribute in the long term,” says Ms Lann.

Egypt plays a key role in receiving and providing care for Palestinians injured in the war in Gaza, which was clear from Ms Lann’s first meeting with UN agencies and international relief organisations. A tour of one of the Cairo hospitals that receive injured patients from Gaza provided one of the visit’s strongest impressions.

Ms Lann and the Swedish delegation also met with Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population, Prof. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar. Their discussion topics included how Sweden’s support is used in practice and how cooperation can be further developed. The ministers signed a memorandum of understanding that reinforces the countries’ will to deepen cooperation in the field of health.

A Swedish business delegation joined on the trip and had the opportunity to raise their questions directly with Egyptian decision-makers. New contacts were created that can facilitate Swedish companies’ participation in the development of Egypt’s health sector.

The visit to Egypt provided key lessons, strengthened relations between the countries and opened doors for continued joint efforts in both humanitarian assistance and the development of health and medical care.