A letter from the ambassador

A letter from the ambassador

It gives me great pleasure, in the name of the Egyptian people
and as a friend, to take the opportunity of Egypt's National Day
to elaborate on the unique relationship of Egypt and Indonesia.

Egypt's National Day commemorates the momentous July 23, 1952,
Revolution. The Revolution brought fundamental changes in
politics, the economy and society and achieved great prestige for
the Egyptian people in contributing to development both
regionally and internationally.

Relations between Egypt and Indonesia are founded on deep
historical and political ties. These relations began tens and
hundreds of years before Egypt stated its support for the
struggle of the Indonesian people in 1945, and in signing an
agreement of friendship and cooperation for the first time on
June 10, 1947.

Egypt was the first country to recognize Indonesia's
independence and to sign such an agreement of cooperation and
friendship with Indonesia.

History shows that Indonesian students have studied Islam at
Al-Azhar University since the 15th century. This evidences the
harmonious brotherly ties of the two peoples for the past five
centuries. It also reveals the compatibility of culture and
emotional demeanor of the peoples until today. Look no further
than the 3,000 Indonesian students studying at Al-Azhar and other
Egyptian universities, where they live in an atmosphere of love
among the Egyptian people. The country becomes their second
homeland.

Egypt and Indonesia also have been at the forefront in
founding several regional and international organizations. The
leaders of the two countries have spurred the advancement of
developing nations and also shaped security and world peace
through the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement, the Islamic
Conference Organization, G-77, G-15, G-8 and others.

Because of these long historical ties, Egypt considers today's
changes in Indonesia's political, economic and cultural life to
be evidence of the Indonesian people's desire to live in harmony,
safety and stability, as well as the effort to formulate a future
full of harmony, freedom, democracy and welfare.