“In a world shaken by division, we believe in bridges, not walls.”- Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Fahmy Shahin
Edited by Anna Popper
On the occasion of the 73rd National Day of the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Dr. Ahmed Fahmy Shahin, Ambassador of Egypt to Hungary, and Mrs. Noran Hassan hosted a distinguished reception at the Embassy premises in Budapest.
The event brought together an esteemed group of guests in the Embassy garden, which was beautifully illuminated with the colours of the country. Among the guests were senior Hungarian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from economic, cultural, and academic sectors, members of the Egyptian community, and friends of Egypt.
Celebrated annually on 23 July, Egypt’s National Day marks the 1952 Revolution – a defining moment in the nation’s modern history that led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of the republic. It remains a symbol of national sovereignty, unity, and progress, honouring the vision of a free and independent Egypt.
Rooted in one of the world’s most enduring civilizations, Egypt continues to take pride in its remarkable cultural heritage. Its contributions to science, architecture, medicine, mathematics, and art have shaped the development of human knowledge and continue to inspire generations worldwide. From the awe-inspiring pyramids to the legacy of ancient knowledge inscribed in hieroglyphs, Egypt’s historical and artistic achievements are an inexhaustible source of fascination and scholarly exploration.
The evening commenced with the national anthems of Egypt and Hungary, followed by the keynote address of Ambassador Dr. Ahmed Fahmy Shahin:
“Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Friends of Egypt,
Welcome to the heart of Egypt, here in Budapest. Tonight, we mark not just a date… but a destiny. Seventy-three years ago, 23 July ignited a national awakening. It gave voice to dignity and power to hope. It was a revolution of national independence, of justice, of unity and of self-discovery. Egyptians reconnected with their identity and uncovered their boundless potential.
And that fire burns still today. In 2013, the 30 June Revolution renewed our compass. Egypt regained its voice: moderate, unified, proud. A nation that broke free from chaos and instability, and chose the future.
Under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, we are building not just cities and roads, not only unprecedented megaprojects reshaping Egypt’s infrastructure, but a new framework for human development. Founded on a bold vision for the future, built on competence and commitment, driven by faith in the enduring Egyptian spirit and in the Egyptian people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
From the Nile to the Danube, Hungary is more than a friend – it is a partner. Strategic, sincere, steadfast. In February 2023, President El-Sisi and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán signed a strategic partnership agreement. A milestone not written in ink, but in shared conviction and resolve.
Since then, we have moved fast and forward. We are: Building trains together, Generating power together, Innovating in technology together. From railway manufacturing to ICT, from energy cooperation to cultural exchange – this partnership is not a promise, but a lived practice.
And diplomacy keeps pace with ambition. High-level visits between our two countries have become a consistent and dynamic tradition – a reflection of mutual respect and political will.
Just weeks ago, President El-Sisi received the Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, H.E. László Kövér, in Cairo. A visit that reaffirmed our mutual respect and our shared future.
Tonight, we are especially honoured to host a leader who embodies this friendship: Mrs. Dr. Márta Mátrai, First Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament, a voice of wisdom, a symbol of trust, a dear friend of Egypt.
Excellencies,
Egypt is not only a nation of ancient heritage and modern ambition, it is also a pillar of stability in a region too often shaken by uncertainty. In today’s complex and turbulent world, Egypt plays a constructive and responsible role. We believe in cooperation over confrontation, in dialogue over violence, and in justice as the path to peace.
Egypt continues its intensive efforts to restore the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and calls on the international community to intensify its efforts to ensure the full delivery of humanitarian aid amid the unbearably deteriorating conditions on the ground. It reaffirms that sustainable peace and security for all peoples in the region can only be achieved through a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
In this context, Egypt affirms its intention to host a conference on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, immediately upon the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This evening was meant to coincide with the long-anticipated inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the new wonder of Egypt. Though the opening has been postponed due to the tragic events in the Middle East, the message stands tall: Egypt does not pause its civilizational mission. We remain a beacon of heritage, of peace, and of dialogue.
In the same spirit, Egypt has nominated Dr. Khaled El-Enany as its candidate for the position of UNESCO Director-General for the period 2025-2029. He is a scholar, statesman, and steward of culture. We thank Hungary for supporting his candidacy and for always standing with Egypt on the side of culture, light, and cooperation. Dr. El-Enany is the official candidate for the post of Director-General of UNESCO, endorsed by both the African Union and the League of Arab States. He is a former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Patron of the African World Heritage Fund, PhD, University of Montpellier.
Dear Friends,
In a world shaken by division, we believe in bridges, not walls. In culture, not conflict. In shared memory and a shared destiny.
Thank you each and every one of you for being with us this evening. Special thanks to our Hungarian friends: from government, parliament, academia, business, media, and all walks of life. Your presence honours us. Your friendship strengthens us. We believe deeply in the Egyptian–Hungarian partnership. And we pledge to preserve it and elevate it to even greater horizons.”
“Long live Egypt and Hungary. ودائماً وأبداً… تحيا مصر – Thank you very much” – said the Ambassador, closing his speech to warm applause from the audience.
Following the Ambassador’s remarks, H.E. Dr. Márta Mátrai, First Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, took the floor with words of deep appreciation and warm congratulations.
In her address, Dr. Mátrai conveyed heartfelt greetings on behalf of the Hungarian Parliament, extending sincere congratulations to the people and leadership of Egypt on the occasion of their National Day. She praised Egypt’s remarkable civilizational heritage and emphasized the strength and depth of the Hungarian–Egyptian partnership, which continues to flourish in numerous fields, including culture, education, infrastructure, energy, and technology.
Dr. Mátrai also acknowledged Egypt’s stabilizing role in the region and its ongoing efforts to promote peace, dialogue, and humanitarian aid. She expressed Hungary’s support for Egypt’s nomination of Dr. Khaled El-Enany for the position of Director-General of UNESCO, whose candidacy reflects Egypt’s commitment to preservation of heritage and international cooperation. She concluded by reaffirming Hungary’s dedication to strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two nations, wishing Egypt continued prosperity, peace, and success on the global stage. May the bonds of Egyptian–Hungarian friendship grow ever stronger in the years to come.
The celebration continued with a festive reception, where guests enjoyed a selection of authentic Egyptian culinary delights – a tasteful journey through the country’s gastronomy.
On behalf of the Diplomatic Press Agency, we extend our warmest congratulations to the people and leadership of the Arab Republic of Egypt on their National Day. We wish Egypt continued prosperity, peace, and progress as it shapes its future with determination and contributes meaningfully to global dialogue and cooperation.
Source: Embassy of Egypt in Budapest
Photos by László Csanaki/ Embassy of Egypt in Budapest, and Facebook of Grand Egyptian Museum
