Why do many Germans dream of Egypt?

There is a deep friendship, that goes back in history, for long decades, between the Germans and the Egyptians depending on the mutual admiration exchanged by the two peoples. In a special article for Al-Ahram daily, the German councilor, Gerhard Schroeder, went on to say that many Germans 'dream' of Egypt while many Egyptians 'admire' the German technology and industry.

That friendship counts also, in many cases, on personal experiences gained by hundreds of thousands of Germans who visit Egypt. There are thousands of Germans and Egyptians who work in each other's country. Such friendship centers on respecting the culture and the history of both countries.

Our friendship depends as well on the achievements of the modern and dynamic societies, where Egypt is part and parcel of them. Mainly, that friendship is that of hearts which could , for this reason, stand fast during the times of hardships.

Both the German and the Egyptian peoples could nearly, at the same time, by the end of the nineteenth century, establish their national states. The German country was set up on the European renaissance concepts. The Egyptian country was deeply affected by the Islamic-Arab "renaissance." That's why we, the Germans, highly estimate the great stance of the Egyptian public opinion towards dividing the German state.

"How much was the true jubilant feelings of the Egyptians when the Berlin wall went down and the German unity came back into effect. Vice versa, I herewith affirm that Germany and the German people understand quite well the cares of Egypt and the Egyptians towards the future of their area.

"I, personally, realize the heavy painstaking of the Egyptians and their government concerning the latest developments in the Middle East. Violence erupts in the regions that lack the just settlement. Such settlement should grant the Palestinians the right of self-destiny and guarantee secure living for all peoples within acknowledged borders. This has been endorsed by heads of states and governments of the E.U. when Germany chaired the ministerial council of the E.U. in the 'Berlin Statement' in early 1999.

"Great efforts are required so as to reach that target. In this framework, Egypt plays positive indispensable role. The whole world owes to Egypt and to its president, Hosni Mubarak, for his personal efforts and the continuous peace moves he exerts. I pledged, during our last meeting in Berlin, to support the Egyptian-Jordanian overture.

"I am deeply glad to see amounting numbers of Germans come to visit your beautiful country that produced poets, scientists, movie-directors and great sportsmen who are well-known in Germany. The two Nobel Prizes granted to distinguished Egyptian representatives in literature and physical sciences are not the only events that made the entire world aware of the great achievements Egyptians can realize if given the chance to develop their talents.

Creativity and wealth of conceptions of the Egyptians are the most important capitals on which Egypt relies to build a modern industrial society that depends on technology and science. Germany and other friendly countries are going to back Egypt in stepping forward on this path that requires performing daring reforms. They will be sincere reliable partners.

In this context, the equal cooperation will gradually replace the traditional capitalist assistance. The importance will increase for direct investments, joint projects and technology transfer. In the technical cooperation field, we will focus on the occupational training and projects of investing the natural resources.

The Germans as well as the Egyptians, due to the experiences they gained in the last decades, actually realize that peace needs prosperity and economic development in the same way that economic development needs peace.

Egypt stands now facing great challenges, economic and social. It is destined not to solve those issues, specially peace and security problems, all alone. This has to be done within a comprehensive international cooperation framework. Such is a highly important element that will enhance the ties and deepen the friendship between both the German and the Egyptian peoples in the future.