First Lady of Serbia, Mrs. Tamara Vučić:
"Relations between Serbia and Egypt are strategic and have been reflected in tangible projects that benefit both Countries."
Cairo – on Sunday,October 19,
The official opening ceremony of the 28th Edition of the Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Summit, held under the theme “Economic Integration… Investment and Opportunities… International Alliances”, was inaugurated on Sunday, October 19th, 2025, in Cairo.
The Summit is organized by the Arab Women Investors Union under the presidency of Dr. Hoda Yassa, from October 19th to 22nd, 2025, under the patronage of the Arab League, and with the participation of several ministries, economic authorities, and Egyptian and Arab unions.
Distinguished Attendance
The Summit witnessed the participation of several high-level personalities, including:
H.E. Mrs. Tamara Vučić, First Lady of the Republic of Serbia (attending for the fourth consecutive year);
H.E. Mrs. Susan Muhwezi, First Presidential Representative of H.E. Mrs. Janet Museveni, First Lady of Uganda;
H.E. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Former President of Mauritius;
Major General Dr. Osama Sobhi Biskals, Head of the General Medical Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces;
Counselor Ahmed Al-Jarallah, representing the Economic Affairs Department of the Arab League;
Ms. Elena Matveeva, Head of the Women’s Center of the Russian Association at the United Nations; and
Ambassador Miro Kisisyoglu, UN Ambassador for the Fight against AIDS.
Pharaonic Welcome
Delegations of the Summit were received with a special Pharaonic welcome, followed by the national anthem of the Arab Republic of Egypt marking the official opening.
Symbol of Peace
In her opening address, Dr. Hoda Yassa, President of the Arab Women Investors Union and Chairperson of the Summit, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and expressed deep pride in H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, describing him as a symbol and champion of peace, stability, and development.
She commended his historic role in achieving and signing the Peace Agreement at the “Sharm El-Sheikh Summit for Peace,” which ushered in a new era of security and regional stability in the Middle East.
“History will forever remember that the land of Egypt — the Land of Civilization — continues to make miracles,”
said Dr. Yassa.
She further praised President El-Sisi as a pioneer within the African Union, supporting the peoples of Africa through sustainable development and post-crisis reconstruction efforts in Gaza, Libya, Iraq, and Syria, affirming that “out of crises, opportunities are born.”
Dr. Yassa extended heartfelt gratitude to Egypt’s First Lady, H.E. Mrs. Entissar El-Sisi, for her continuous advocacy of women’s empowerment and her deep appreciation of the pivotal role of Egyptian women, who remain the foundation of Egypt’s enduring civilization.
Dr. Yassa emphasized that thanks to this support — and that of the Egyptian Armed Forces — the Summit convenes with the participation of delegations from 35 Arab, African, and European countries, as well as representatives from the BRICS alliance and several United Nations organizations.
She also expressed appreciation to the Arab League , the Government of Egypt, the participating ministries and civil institutions, and all the strategic partners supporting this major international event.
Dr hoda noted that the 28th Arab-African Investment and International Cooperation Summit is being held in light of the messages of reassurance and optimism conveyed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to the Egyptian people and to the peoples of the entire region.
Unity is Strength
Dr. Yassa highlighted that Mrs. Tamara Vučić, First Lady of Serbia and Chairperson of the Supreme Advisory Committee of the Union, and the founder of the “Love and Peace” Initiative, has been keen to attend the Summit for the fourth consecutive year — reaffirming her belief that unity is strength and underscoring the importance of Arab–African–European cooperation with friendly nations to achieve sustainable development and a prosperous future for all peoples.
She also praised H.E. Mrs. Janet Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports of Uganda, for her continued support for the Summit and the Arab Women Investors Union and its projects in all different sectors, represented this year by Mrs. Susan Muhwezi, First Presidential Representative.
Additionally, she honored Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former President of Mauritius, describing her as “a pride of African women” whose significant contributions to the continent have been recognized globally, including her selection as the first recipient of the “Personality of the Year in Innovation” Award.
Medical Services
Dr. Yassa paid tribute to the Egyptian Armed Forces, the shield of national security and stability, both in their military and civilian capacities.
She expressed sincere appreciation to General Abdel Majeed Saqr, Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Armed Forces, and to Major General Dr. Osama Biskals, along with a high-level delegation from the Medical Services Department, for their valued participation.
She also extended gratitude to Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, and its affiliate companies, to Lieutenant General Eng. Mokhtar Abdel Latif, Chairman of the Arab Organization for Industrialization, and to Dr. Islam Abu El-Magd, Chairman of the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, among other national institutions.
A Dynamic Platform
Dr. Yassa announced the launch of the Summit as a dynamic and interactive platform for fostering Arab–African economic integration through collaboration in industry, tourism, agriculture, and trade exchange.
She underscored the vital importance of leveraging Africa’s vast opportunities to promote sustainable development and strengthen joint investment across the continent.
Investment Opportunities
Dr. Yassa explained that the Arab Women Investors Union always works on practical implementation, and this year’s Summit will feature:
Panel discussions and investment showcases from major industrial institutions, including the Suez Canal Authority and its subsidiaries (El Temsah Shipbuilding Company, Suez Shipyard, Canal Ports & Major Projects Company, and Port Said Engineering Works Company);
Investment opportunities presented by the Arab Organization for Industrialization, for which the Union serves as the official international marketing and promotion representative;
Presentations of new projects in food industries, petrochemicals, sports investment, religious tourism, and entrepreneurship;
As well as the investment map of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI).
Agreements
The Summit will also witness the signing of several cooperation agreements, including:
A cooperation protocol with one of the Suez Canal Authority’s subsidiaries;
Arab–Japanese cooperation in innovative industries and artificial intelligence; and Collaboration in modern medical services.
Dr. Yassa concluded by affirming that unity, solidarity, and joint cooperation remain the key to achieving peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the region. ؛to Gather We Can ؛
Address by the First Lady of Serbia, Mrs. Tamara Vučić
Mrs. Vučić expressed her gratitude to Dr. Hoda Yassa for the invitation and organization of such a distinguished event.
She remarked that while there are many conferences and exhibitions around the world, this Summit stands out as a gathering of men and women from diverse nations — particularly from Africa — united by a shared commitment to cooperation and progress.
Mrs. Vučić added that the energy generated at this Summit does not dissipate when it ends; rather, it guides our work and serves our peoples according to the realities of each nation — which is why I was keen to participate again this year.
Highlighting the role of women in times of crisis, she said:
“Women always stand at the forefront — preserving their families and nations. They are the true heroes during difficult times.”
She further emphasized that relations between Serbia and Egypt are strategic, producing tangible projects beneficial to both countries.
Mrs. Vučić recalled the establishment of a strategic partnership between Egypt and Serbia during President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s historic visit to Belgrade, which laid the foundation for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, education, and culture.
She praised President El-Sisi’s decade-long achievements, particularly in healthcare and education, adding that Serbia closely follows Egypt’s development progress and wishes to be part of this transformation.
Education and Cultural Cooperation
Mrs. Vučić noted that Serbia’s educational system is highly advanced, highlighting student exchange programs and scholarships for Egyptian students, which she described as a valuable educational investment.
She also expressed confidence that this Summit will generate new partnerships, ideas, and opportunities that will connect the Arab, African, and international communities, emphasizing the central role of the business community in driving investment and prosperity.
She concluded by calling for greater cooperation in education, affirming that “no nation can advance without education — and it is mothers who teach nations honesty, truth, and integrity, shaping the moral foundation of societies.”
The Summit is held under the patronage and participation of the Arab League , alongside:
The General Medical Council of the Egyptian Armed Forces and the Medical Services Department;
The Ministries of Social Solidarity, Youth and Sports, Tourism and Antiquities;
The Suez Canal Authority;
The Arab Organization for Industrialization;
The National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences;
The General Authority for Investment and Free Zones;
The Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority;
The Export Development Authority;
The Industrial Development Authority;
The World Health Organization;
The Jordanian Senate and Jordan Investment Commission;
The Union of Arab Chambers and the Association of Arab Universities;
The Egyptian General Organization for Export & Import Control;
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (Cabinet of Egypt) as Event Partner;
As well as several civil society institutions, including:
The Egyptian Federation of Industries;
The Egyptian Commercial Service;
Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
The General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Libya;
Shabab Qaderoon Foundation for Sustainable Development; and
The New Republic Development Foundation.
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