10 Meetings of South Sinai Governor Strengthen International Cooperation During Visits to London and Athens

alhadath – cairo

As part of efforts to boost investment and tourism cooperation, Major General Dr. Khaled Mubarak Bakr, Governor of South Sinai, concluded a field tour that included London and Athens, where he held a series of high-level meetings with international officials and investors. The primary goal of the meetings was to showcase investment opportunities in South Sinai and promote its tourist attractions.

In London:

During his participation in the World Travel Market (WTM 2024), one of the most prestigious international tourism fairs, the governor engaged in several key meetings with leading British companies:
• Meeting with Globeleq Africa: A prominent company specializing in renewable energy. The discussions focused on investment opportunities in renewable energy to support sustainable development in the Abu Zenima and Abu Rudeis areas. These regions are key hubs for mining and industrial activities, and the company expressed interest in expanding its investments in energy to support Egypt’s national economy.
• Meeting with Mark Hamilton, Director of the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce: This session explored investment opportunities in the logistics and trade sectors, particularly with regard to developing Nuweiba Port into an international hub supporting global trade. The discussions also touched on tourism development in Sharm El-Sheikh and Dahab, with a focus on attracting more British investors to South Sinai.
• The governor outlined South Sinai’s investment plan, recently endorsed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as part of Egypt’s 2030 sustainable development strategy. This plan divides the governorate into five primary sectors, each with its unique investment opportunities: Ras Sudr, Abu Zenima and Abu Rudeis (focused on mining and petroleum industries), Saint Catherine (with its religious and cultural significance), Sharm El-Sheikh and Dahab (international tourism hubs), and Taba and Nuweiba (logistical centers linked to trade with Europe).
• The governor also participated in a press conference led by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, promoting Egypt’s tourist destinations and investment opportunities. During the event, he highlighted the “Great Transfiguration” project in Saint Catherine, inviting international investors to participate in its development to make it a world-class tourist destination.
• Honoring Egyptian Ambassador Sherif Kamel: At a formal dinner hosted by Ambassador Kamel in London, Governor Khaled Mubarak presented the ambassador with South Sinai’s shield in recognition of his efforts in coordinating official meetings and facilitating the visit’s success, which helped promote Egypt’s tourist destinations on the international stage.

In Athens:

Continuing his intensive tour, the governor’s schedule in Athens included several key meetings aimed at expanding South Sinai’s presence in global investment and tourism networks:
• Meeting with the Archbishop of Saint Catherine Monastery, Demetrios Damianios: The discussion centered on the protection of the region’s religious heritage and the promotion of religious tourism to the city of Saint Catherine, particularly within the framework of the “Great Transfiguration” project.
• Meeting with Christos Stylianides, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, and Evangelos Kyriazopoulos, Secretary-General of the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs: Discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation and establishing stronger sea links between Egypt and Greece.
• Meeting with representatives from major Greek tourism companies: This meeting aimed to promote South Sinai as a prime destination for Greek tourists and increase the flow of tourism from Greece to Egypt.
• Meeting with Captain Paris Dragnis, Chairman of Golden Port Ship Management: Discussions focused on cooperation in luxury tourism and investments in South Sinai’s maritime infrastructure.
• Meeting with Greek Minister of Energy, Theodoros Skylakakis: The two sides discussed cooperation in renewable energy projects, with a focus on sustainable development and energy solutions for the region.
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At the conclusion of his visit to Athens, Major General Dr. Khaled Mubarak Bakr, Governor of South Sinai, honored Egypt’s Ambassador to Greece, Omar Amer, with the South Sinai Governorate Shield. This recognition came as a gesture of gratitude for the ambassador’s outstanding efforts in facilitating and organizing key meetings that contributed to the success of the governor’s visit.
The governor expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Amer’s role in coordinating discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism and investment.

This ceremony was a fitting end to a highly productive visit, where the governor had engaged in multiple high-level talks with Greek officials and private sector leaders. These discussions focused on promoting South Sinai as a premier destination for international tourism and investment,

These meetings are part of South Sinai’s broader strategy to divide the governorate into five key development sectors, each focusing on tourism, energy, industry, and agriculture, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

The governor’s visits to both London and Athens underscored South Sinai’s commitment to strengthening international ties and positioning the region as a global hub for tourism and investment