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.