by Marion Smith
The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in South Africa hosted a farewell reception at Egypt House in Pretoria, honouring two distinguished diplomats whose service has contributed significantly to strengthening the longstanding relationship between Egypt and South Africa.
The reception marked the departure of Deputy Head of Mission, Minister Mohamed Kandil, and Defence Attaché Staff Colonel Ahmed Abdel-Raouf, who were recognised for their professionalism, dedication and commitment during their respective assignments in South Africa.
The occasion also welcomed two new members of the Egyptian diplomatic team: Counsellor Hesham Shorbagi, who takes up the position of Deputy Head of Mission, and Staff Colonel Sherif Shoukry, the newly appointed Defence Attaché.
Addressing guests, Ambassador Ahmed Sharief expressed his appreciation for the departing diplomats, describing his work with both colleagues as a privilege and a pleasure.
“Working with both colleagues has indeed been a big privilege and pleasure. Their professionalism, competence and personal qualities have earned my deepest appreciation,” the Ambassador said.
He highlighted the contribution made by Staff Colonel Ahmed Abdel-Raouf over the past two years to strengthening defence relations between Egypt and South Africa. One of the clearest examples, he noted, has been South Africa’s increasingly high-level and substantive participation in the Bright Star military exercise in Egypt, reflecting the deeper engagement developed during the Defence Attaché’s assignment.
The Ambassador also paid tribute to Deputy Head of Mission Mohamed Kandil, describing him as an indispensable source of support from his very first day in South Africa.
Among the many responsibilities overseen by Kandil was Egypt’s participation in the G20 during South Africa’s G20 Presidency, when Egypt participated as a permanent guest. He also played an important role in advancing the Embassy’s economic and political portfolios.
Economic diplomacy, in particular, remains an important area of cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Sharief highlighted significant progress towards establishing the Egypt-South Africa Business Council.
“The Egyptian side has been formed, and the South African side is nearing completion,” he said, signalling an important step towards expanding commercial ties, investment and business-to-business engagement between the two nations.
The Ambassador also emphasised the broader progress being made across the Egypt-South Africa relationship, including diplomatic, economic and defence cooperation.
For the Egyptian diplomatic community in Pretoria, the farewell reception was therefore more than a departure. It represented a moment to acknowledge the contributions of colleagues who have helped build bridges between the two countries, while welcoming those who will continue the work.
Diplomatic assignments inevitably bring change, with colleagues arriving to begin new chapters and others departing for their next postings. Yet the relationships built during these assignments often endure beyond the official tenure.
As Mohamed Kandil and Staff Colonel Ahmed Abdel-Raouf prepare to leave South Africa, the Embassy expressed its appreciation for their service and contributions. At the same time, the arrival of Hesham Shorbagi and Staff Colonel Sherif Shoukry marks the beginning of a new chapter for Egypt’s diplomatic and defence representation in Pretoria.
The reception ultimately reflected the continuity at the heart of diplomacy: honouring those who have served, welcoming those who follow and continuing to strengthen the bonds between nations.
With Egypt and South Africa enjoying longstanding ties, the Embassy remains committed to deepening cooperation and expanding opportunities across diplomatic, economic, defence and people-to-people relations.
The forthcoming Egypt-South Africa Business Council is expected to provide another important platform for strengthening economic engagement, while continued diplomatic and defence cooperation will further reinforce the partnership between the two countries.
