Over the years, dozens of young Egyptian leaders have attended training programs at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty’s (FNF) International Academy for Leadership in Gummersbach, Germany. In an effort to renew the bonds with these individuals and strengthen the Foundation’s network, FNF’s regional office in Cairo held a dinner reception with a keynote speech by the German Ambassador Mr. Bernd Erbel in Zamalek on December 15, 2008. Addressing 50 attentive listeners, the German Ambassador gave an upbeat account of his diplomatic mission and the bilateral relations: "There are not many countries in the world, Ambassador Erbel said, with which we have so intense relations." The Ambassador stressed the strategic importance of Egypt calling it "the most important partner in the peace process." He said: "Nobody can think of reaching a solution to the conflict without the help of Egypt."

The envoy also gave an overview of the economic and cultural relations between the two nations. He mentioned that "since 2004, foreign direct investment in Egypt has exploded and Germany has been part of this." According to the German diplomat, promoting renewable energy and vocational training are priorities of the development cooperation between Berlin and Cairo. Erbel emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation: "This is the most important means of creating friendship between the countries."

This point was taken up by FNF’s Regional Director, Dr. Ronald Meinardus, who in his concluding remarks pointed out that while the Foundation’s main objective is the promotion of liberalism, it always also aspires to promote the partnership between Germany and the host-country Egypt.