Egypt looks to culture to strengthen ties with BRICS group

Growing cultural and tourism links between Egypt and BRICS member states have been highlighted in a report by the Egyptian Cabinet’s Information and Decision Support Center.

The analysis comes as Egypt takes its place in the intergovernmental grouping now comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Culture is highlighted in the study as one of the most key aspects of Egyptian “soft power.” Egypt ranked 31st globally in 2022 in the Global Soft Power Index, an increase of 3.3 points on the previous year.

Egypt is seeking to strengthen its ties with BRICS Plus member states by opening cultural centers in countries, such as China, where the Egyptian Cultural Office works to promote Egyptian-Chinese relations.

In August, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said, “I value the declaration by the BRICS group to invite Egypt to join its membership as of January 2024.

“We appreciate the confidence of all BRICS member states with whom we share robust relations.”