Experts from think tanks of India and Egypt today began a two-day dialogue to discuss a number of issues of common interest, development challenges and steps to revive Indo-Egyptian partnership.
The American University in Cairo in coordination with the Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi hosts the first session of the dialogue where the Egyptian side was represented by the School for Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP).
Delivering the inauguration speech, Nabil Fahmi, Dean of GAPP, cited India as an example of how things should have been managed because it is a nation that encompassed different religions.
"We are looking forward to learn from your experience," he said.
Fahmi said the main challenge facing Egypt is to establish its identity in the 21st century.
"We were very sure what we wanted two years ago. But today we are not that sure," he said.
Indian strategic expert Dr C Raja Mohan said: "We're here to exchange ideas and I am sure there's so much we can learn from each other.
He cited the main challenges facing the two countries were how far should tradition interfere with modernisation, encouraging women to participate in politics and finally the ancient history which means the modern country has a platform and cannot take ready made solutions from anyone.
The Indian Ambassador to Egypt, Navdeep Suri, said he personally believes people can speak together easily and get benefited.
"I believe both countries have so much to learn from each other," he said.
The two-day dialogue will include a discussion of developments in the Middle East and North Africa, development challenges in both countries, the role of the media in political evolution, and the next steps in reviving Indo-Egyptian partnership.
The speakers from the Indian side will include Ambassador Swashpawan Singh, former Indian Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, media personality Suhasini Haider. From the Egyptian side, Dr Emad Shahin, Dr Khaled Amin, Dr Moataz Abdel Fattah from GAPP, and Dr Mustafa al-Fiki, former foreign policy advisor to the President will be the keynote speakers.
