Who attended Egypt’s Armed Forces Day reception in Seoul?

More than 100 people attended, including Rear Adm. Kim Kyung-cheol, ambassadors and defense attachés from the United States, Japan, Poland, the UAE and Iraq, Korean defense officials, military personnel, defense industry representatives and members of the Egyptian community in Korea.

Why does Egypt commemorate Armed Forces Day on Oct. 6?

Egypt marks Armed Forces Day on Oct. 6 to commemorate its military operations against Israeli forces during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War.

What did Egypt and South Korea signal about future military cooperation at the Seoul reception?

The event highlighted efforts to strengthen defense cooperation, including continued military cooperation and exchanges of expertise. Ahmed Elhadidi also said both countries should work to restore regional security and stability while addressing security requirements in ways that respect different societies and peoples.

Egypt marks 53rd anniversary of Armed Forces Day in Seoul

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Summary

Egypt’s Defense Attaché Office hosted a reception in Seoul on Thursday to mark the 53rd anniversary of Armed Forces Day. More than 100 guests attended, including South Korean military officials, foreign ambassadors and defense attachés, defense industry representatives and members of Egypt’s community in Korea. Egypt observes the day on Oct. 6 to commemorate its military operations during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Commodore Ahmed Elhadidi presented Rear Adm. Kim Kyung-cheol with a plaque honoring efforts to strengthen Korea-Egypt defense cooperation.

Key Facts

Rear Adm. Kim Kyung-cheol is commander of the Republic of Korea Navy Logistics Command.
The reception took place at the Egyptian Embassy’s Defense Attaché Office residence in Seoul’s Seongbuk District.
Guests included representatives from the United States, Japan, Poland, the UAE and Iraq.
Ahmed Elhadidi said continued military cooperation and expertise exchanges support the two countries’ mutual interests.
Elhadidi said regional security and stability should be restored while respecting the distinct characteristics of societies and peoples.

By Kim Bo-kyoung

Published Oct 16, 2026 3:33 pm KST
Updated Oct 16, 2026 4:15 pm KST

Guests attend a reception at the Egyptian defense attaché’s residence in Seongbuk District, Seoul, Thursday, to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Egypt’s Armed Forces Day. Courtesy of Defense Attaché Office, Embassy of Egypt

The Defense Attaché Office of the Embassy of Egypt in Seoul hosted a reception on Thursday at its residence in Seongbuk District, Seoul, to mark the 53rd anniversary of Egypt’s Armed Forces Day.

The reception was attended by more than 100 guests, including Rear Adm. Kim Kyung-cheol, commander of the Republic of Korea Navy Logistics Command, ambassadors and defense attachés from countries including the United States, Japan, Poland, the UAE and Iraq, as well as Korean defense officials, military personnel, defense industry representatives and members of the Egyptian community in Korea.

Commodore Ahmed Elhadidi, Egypt’s defense attaché to Korea, delivers a speech during Armed Forces Day reception at his residence in Seongbuk District, Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Defense Attaché Office, Embassy of Egypt in Korea

Egypt commemorates Armed Forces Day on Oct. 6, marking its military operations against Israeli forces during the 1973 Arab-Israeli War.

In recognition of efforts to strengthen defense cooperation between Korea and Egypt, Commodore Ahmed Elhadidi, Egypt’s defense attaché to Korea, presented a plaque of appreciation to Rear Adm. Kim during the event.

“Objectives achieved in support of our mutual interests over the recent period underscore the importance of continued military cooperation and the exchange of expertise,” Elhadidi said.

"We must work to restore regional security and stability and meet security requirements while respecting the unique characteristics of societies and peoples."

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