Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Vysotskyi Met with a Mustakbal Misr Official in Cairo

Taras Vysotskyi, Ukraine’s Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food, discussed cooperation in the areas of agricultural product supply, the food hub project and irrigation during his working visit to Egypt.

Taras Vysotskyi, Ukraine’s Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food, met with Khaled Ahmed Salah El-Din, Secretary-General of the Mustakbal Misr Sustainable Development Agency, during his working visit to Egypt. During the meeting, the parties assessed the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of food security, the expansion of the supply of Ukrainian agricultural products, the possibility of establishing a Ukrainian food hub in Egypt, cooperation in the field of irrigation, and maritime logistics security.

Egypt remains one of the key export markets for Ukrainian agricultural products. Between January and October 2026, Ukraine exported agricultural products worth 825 million US dollars to Egypt. The bulk of these supplies consists of cereals, primarily wheat and maize.

One of the most promising areas for cooperation is the development of infrastructure for the storage, processing and distribution of Ukrainian agricultural products. It is noted that a Ukrainian food hub established in Egypt could contribute to the stability of supply, the development of logistics routes and the expansion of Ukrainian producers’ presence in African and Middle Eastern markets.

It was recalled that the issue had also been raised during previous bilateral talks. The parties had discussed the possibilities for developing the relevant infrastructure and securing international financing in February 2025.

The meeting also highlighted the necessity of ensuring the safety of civilian shipping in the Black Sea region. It was emphasised that the stable operation of maritime routes is important not only for Ukraine’s agricultural exports but also for international food security and the predictable supply of food to importing countries.

Another key item on the agenda was cooperation on the development of land reclamation and irrigation systems. Egypt possesses significant practical experience in implementing large-scale irrigation projects and expanding irrigated areas. This experience is of great importance to Ukraine, particularly given the need to rebuild its irrigation infrastructure following the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to establish a separate area of cooperation covering the sharing of experience and technical knowledge in the field of irrigation, as well as the development of opportunities for implementing joint projects.

Commenting on the meeting, Vysotskyi stated that Egypt is a strategic partner for Ukraine in the field of food security. The Minister said they were interested not only in maintaining traditional grain supplies but also in developing a long-term partnership. Emphasising that cooperation in the field of irrigation was a key priority, Vysotskyi noted that Egypt’s experience in large-scale projects could be beneficial for the reconstruction and development of Ukraine’s irrigation infrastructure. The Minister also stated that an agreement had been reached to establish a separate cooperation mechanism for the exchange of expertise and the implementation of practical projects.

The Mustakbal Misr Agency plays a key role in meeting Egypt’s food requirements. The agency also carries out state purchases of imported wheat and other strategic food products.