Egyptian Consulate in Erbil Highlights Expanding Cairo–Erbil Ties

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a sign of strengthening relations between Cairo and Erbil, the Egyptian Consulate General in the Kurdistan Region hosted Kurdistan24 for the first interview conducted inside its headquarters.

During the discussion, Egyptian Consul General Mahmoud Amer emphasized that Egypt, the first Arab country to open a consulate in the Kurdistan Region in 2010, views its partnership with the Region as an extension of a long-standing historical and cultural bond.

Expanding Trade and Investment Prospects

Amer highlighted growing economic ties, noting that trade between Egypt and the Kurdistan Region currently stands at $150 million annually. “While this figure is encouraging, our ambitions are much greater,” he said.

To further boost commercial links, the consul announced plans to hold an “Egyptian–Kurdistan Investment Forum” in Erbil, aimed at connecting Egyptian exporters directly with the Kurdistan market.

He pointed to Egyptian projects already established in the Region, including a medical supplies factory, a plastic products factory, and the work of Orascom Construction PLC, which has been instrumental in rehabilitating sewerage infrastructure across the Kurdistan Region.

Historical and Cultural Ties

Beyond economics, Amer underlined the deep cultural and historical links between Egyptians and Kurds. He noted that the first Kurdish newspaper, Kurdistan, was published at the Dar al-Hilal publishing house in Egypt, underscoring a longstanding intellectual connection.

“Prominent Egyptian actors such as Soad Hosny and Mahmoud el-Meligy, who have Kurdish origins, have enriched Egyptian cultural life and fully integrated into society,” he added.

He also highlighted Egypt’s active participation in major cultural events in the Kurdistan Region, including:

The Erbil International Book Fair, where over 60 Egyptian publishing houses and a high-level media delegation took part.

The Erbil International Film Festival, which welcomed well-known Egyptian actors such as Shirin, Ashraf Zaki, and Ahmed Badir.

The al-Azhar University delegation’s visit for the centenary celebration of Kurdish scholar Dr. Mustafa Zalmi.

Education: A Pillar of Cooperation

The consul praised cooperation in the education sector, describing the Azhar Institute in Erbil as the only one of its kind in Iraq and the wider region.

“It is a great honor to have Al-Azhar in Erbil,” he said, noting that the institution grants 25 annual scholarships for Kurdistan Region students to pursue higher education in Cairo. Plans are also underway to expand the institute by adding a science department alongside the current literature program.

Amer also welcomed the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to encourage students to attend Egyptian universities, particularly Mansoura University, and suggested establishing a local association for its graduates.

Tourism and Consular Services

Expressing admiration for the Kurdistan Region’s landscapes, Amer described his visit to Barzan as “like a piece of Switzerland.” He noted, however, that more investment in tourism infrastructure is needed to unlock the Region’s full potential.

“Egypt has extensive expertise in tourism development, and as we work toward welcoming 30 million visitors by 2030, we are ready to share this experience with the Kurdistan Region,” he said.

On consular services, Amer acknowledged challenges in visa processing due to security clearance procedures but assured that the consulate is committed to expediting applications, especially for students and medical cases.

A Message of Partnership

Concluding the interview, Amer stressed that he conveys a positive image of the Kurdistan Region to Egypt.

“I present an image of an open and developed society with hospitable people who cherish their Egyptian counterparts. Our two ancient civilizations share natural similarities which bring our peoples closer together,” he said.