“Filipinos and Egyptians are peace-loving people. As founding members of the United Nations, we have a special responsibility to uphold respect for human life and to work together for peace and stability.”
With this message, His Excellency Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates of the Arab Republic of Egypt, commenced the public lecture, “Bridging the Middle East and the Pacific: Egypt’s Foreign Policy and Eight Decades of Partnership with the Philippines,” held on 23 July 2026 at the Atencio-Libunao Hall, College of Law, University of the Philippines Diliman.
The event was organized by the University of the Philippines through the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) and the Center for International Studies (CIS), in partnership with the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt, as part of the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of Egypt–Philippines Diplomatic Relations and Egypt’s National Day.
In his lecture, Dr. Abdelatty underscored the enduring partnership between Egypt and the Philippines, highlighting the two countries’ shared commitment to peace, multilateralism, and international cooperation as founding members of the United Nations. He also welcomed the Philippines’ leadership as this year’s Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), expressing confidence in the country’s role in advancing regional dialogue and cooperation.
Looking beyond traditional diplomacy, the Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Middle East and Southeast Asia in areas such as youth engagement, the green economy, tourism, cultural exchange, and people-centered development. He stressed that greater cooperation among nations is essential in addressing today’s shared regional and global challenges.
Representing the University administration, Professor Emeritus Caesar Saloma, UP Executive Vice President, and Dr. Dave Centeno, UP Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation (Convergence and Translation), welcomed the diplomatic delegation and guests. In his remarks, Dr. Centeno highlighted the role of universities as platforms for dialogue, intercultural understanding, and international collaboration. He noted that the lecture offered the UP community valuable perspectives on Egypt’s foreign policy and its vision for regional and global cooperation.
Echoing these themes, Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, reflected on the longstanding friendship between Egypt and the Philippines, noting that it has been reinforced by more than five decades of academic cooperation between UP IIS and Egyptian universities and institutions. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing peace, justice, and human dignity by fostering informed discussions on pressing global issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The open forum provided participants with the opportunity to engage Dr. Abdelatty on issues relating to regional diplomacy, halal development, and educational cooperation.
Responding to a question on Egypt’s role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Dr. Abdelatty explained that Egypt continues to work closely with partner countries in advancing diplomatic initiatives concerning Palestine, including efforts related to the status of Jerusalem through coordinated international engagements and peace initiatives.
On halal development, he shared Egypt’s readiness to support Philippine capacity-building initiatives by deploying technical experts and facilitating cooperation through relevant government ministries. He also revealed that discussions are underway on sharing Egyptian expertise in halal certification systems and Shari’ah-compliant slaughterhouse operations.
Addressing inquiries on educational opportunities, Dr. Abdelatty encouraged graduates of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif to stay connected through the University’s active alumni network, which regularly disseminates information on scholarships, academic programs, and other educational opportunities available in Egypt.
To conclude the program, Prof. Wadi presented Certificates of Appreciation to H.E. Dr. Badr Abdelatty and H.E. Ambassador Nader Zaki in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the event and their continued efforts to strengthen Egypt–Philippines relations.
A cocktail reception followed, providing an opportunity for participants from the diplomatic corps, government agencies, academia, civil society, and faith-based organizations to exchange ideas and celebrate eight decades of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Among those in attendance were H.E. Ambassador Nader Zaki of the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt; H.E. Ambassador Meshari Yousef Alnibari of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait; Professor Emeritus Caesar Saloma, UP Executive Vice President; Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., UP Vice President for Research and Innovation; Dr. Ian Kendrich C. Fontanilla, UP Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Amparo Adelina C. Umali faculty of the UP Center for International Studies; Dr. Dave Centeno, UP Assistant Vice President for Research and Innovation (Convergence and Translation); Ms. Annie Andanar of the Office of the Former President; UP administrators, Muslim leaders, representatives of interfaith organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and partners and stakeholders of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies.
Article by Camille Lucille A. Bello, University Researcher II
Photos by Marlon B. Pervera, Administrative Assistant III