Egypt’s Minister of Transport Kamel el Wazir met Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Fumio Iwai on 1st September 2026, to discuss measures aimed at strengthening bilateral transport cooperation. The discussions also covered progress on joint projects between Egypt and Japan, with particular attention given to Phase 1 of Cairo Metro Line 4.
The meeting focused on expanding the Egyptian-Japanese partnership in the transport sector and encouraging greater participation by Japanese companies in investment in Egypt. The efforts are intended to support Egypt’s development plans while also reinforcing economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Wazir highlighted the strong ties between the political leaderships and peoples of Egypt and Japan, while recognizing the fruitful and constructive cooperation that has supported the implementation of several joint transport projects. He also reaffirmed the Transport Ministry’s interest in expanding transport cooperation with Japan.
Iwai, meanwhile, expressed his pleasure at meeting Wazir and praised the fruitful cooperation between Egypt and Japan in carrying out several projects. He identified Phase 1 of Metro Line 4 as one of the foremost examples of that cooperation.
The Japanese ambassador also said Japanese companies have demonstrated strong interest in investing in Egypt, particularly given the promising investment climate being pursued by the Egyptian government. The discussions therefore placed continued emphasis on transport cooperation and the role of Japanese companies in supporting projects and investment in Egypt’s transport sector.
Construction, Rolling Stock and Future Phases
The meeting included a review of ongoing transport cooperation related to Phase 1 of Metro Line 4. The first phase extends from 6th of October City to Fustat over 19 km and consists of 17 stations. Japanese company Mitsubishi is participating in the project and is responsible for electromechanical works and the workshop, as well as rolling stock for Phase 1, comprising 23 trains. Underground construction is also being carried out using six tunnel-boring machines, marking the first time that this approach has been used in Egypt for the project.
Metro Line 4 is planned to be completed in four phases, according to the two sides. Construction work has already started on Phase 2, which will connect Fustat to New Cairo. At the same time, efforts are being made to swiftly finalize tender documents covering the systems and rolling stock for the second phase in coordination with the Japanese side. Studies are currently being conducted for Phase 3, which will run from Hadayek Al-Ashgar to Al-Hosary Square, while Phase 4 is planned to connect New Cairo with the Capital Airport. The meeting also reviewed latest efforts in developing the joint cooperation on training and capacity building.
