The Arab Republic of Egypt (“Misr” in the local format) is found in North Eastern Africa bordering Libya, Sudan and Israel. Egypt is the site of the Suez Canal, a vital shipping lane that links the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. This canal results in a shorter distance for ships to travel between the Middle East and Asia to Europe and the Americas. Revenue from the canal, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and oil all play large parts in its economy.  Egypt was a British colony and gained independence in 1922. Ranking as the 3rd most populous country in Africa, Egypt’s 88 million people are found predominantly along the banks of the river Nile. 90% of its population is Muslim, mostly Sunni, and the remaining 10% are Christians, mainly Coptic Orthodox. The Egyptian government is located in Cairo and is led by a four-year term President (limited to two terms). The legislative branch includes the lower People’s Assembly and the upper Consultative Council.

A member of the OSCE Mediterranean Partners, Egypt’s connection with the OSCE dates back to the Helsinki Final Act of 1975.  The Act recognized the close relationship between European security and Mediterranean security, and in 1994 a contact group was formed to formally involve the southern Mediterranean countries with the OSCE.  Since that time, Egypt has participated in many different OSCE workshops and conferences aimed at the Mediterranean partners. Eleven Egyptians have attended the OSCE Border Management Staff College. Particularly following the Arab Spring of 2011 and the subsequent regime changes in Egypt, the OSCE has seen the opportunity for  best-practice sharing with Egypt, in areas such democratic transitions and political-military relationships.