Pakistan-Egypt Defence Talks Strengthen Military Ties

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On July 30, 2025, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), held a series of high-level defence and security meetings in Cairo, marking the third round of Pakistan-Egypt Defence and Security Talks, according to a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the visit, General Mirza met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Minister of Defence and Military Production General Abdel Mageed Ahmed Saqr, and Admiral Osama Mounier Mohamed Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority. The discussions focused on expanding military-to-military engagement, enhancing joint training, defence exercises, and counter-terrorism cooperation. The Egyptian leadership praised the professionalism and operational experience of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

The talks come amid regional security challenges, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts in combating terrorism. General Mirza also met Professor Dr Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, highlighting the role of interfaith harmony and religious tolerance in addressing the root causes of extremism.

General Mirza was received with a Guard of Honour at Egypt’s Ministry of Defence, reflecting mutual respect between the two nations. The visit builds on ongoing defence diplomacy and institutional engagement frameworks, such as the Pakistan-Egypt Military Cooperation Committee, which last convened in Rawalpindi in 2024.

Both countries are increasingly aligned on strategic regional concerns. Egypt controls the Suez Canal—through which 12% of global trade passes—while Pakistan’s $350 billion economy depends on secure maritime routes. Talks also explored shared concerns about regional instability, with emphasis on protecting key transit corridors and enhancing coordination on international peacekeeping and defence readiness.

Pakistan and Egypt have previously conducted joint military exercises, including “Raad-1” and “Sky Guard,” and are expected to expand future collaboration in special operations, naval coordination, and counter-insurgency training.

This visit reinforces Pakistan’s defence diplomacy posture, promoting long-term strategic cooperation without compromising sovereignty. The CJCSC’s engagements in Cairo are seen as a step forward in enhancing bilateral security and economic interests in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment.