Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to El Alamein on October 4, 2026, on the sidelines of the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union. The meeting marked President Faye's first visit to Egypt, during which he was congratulated on Senegal's assumption of the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). President el-Sisi praised Senegal's role in promoting African cooperation.
President el-Sisi expressed his appreciation for President Faye's participation in the summit of the founding countries of the African Union Development Agency (NEPAD) and the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union. He emphasized Egypt's pride in the historical and fraternal relations between the two countries and their peoples, and its desire to continue enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields.
The Egyptian President confirmed his country's readiness to support the implementation of Senegal's Five-Year Plan and Vision 2050 by sharing Egyptian expertise and expanding cooperation in vital sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, irrigation networks, land reclamation, and energy. He stressed the importance of promoting trade exchange between the two countries and encouraging the private sector to establish new investment partnerships.
President Faye emphasized Senegal's commitment to strengthening relations with Egypt, both bilaterally and within the framework of African cooperation. He praised the efforts of both countries to support development in Africa as founding members of NEPAD. The Senegalese President expressed his country's aspiration to elevate the level of economic and cultural cooperation with Egypt.
The meeting also witnessed an exchange of views on several regional files, with an emphasis on the need for comprehensive and peaceful solutions that address the root causes of crises while preserving the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states. The two presidents discussed the issue of water resources, with President Faye noting Senegal's shared position with Egypt on the Nile River.
President Faye highlighted the importance of managing shared water resources wisely and respecting relevant international law, citing the model of the Senegal River Development Organization, which is based on consultation, dialogue, and non-harm. This approach aims to enhance water security and support sustainable development paths in Africa.
The two-day meeting in El Alamein reflects the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and Senegal, as well as their shared commitment to promoting African cooperation and addressing regional challenges. The discussions also underscored the importance of upholding international law and finding peaceful solutions to conflicts.
Key points
- Egypt and Senegal emphasize the importance of respecting international law in managing shared water resources.
- The two countries express their commitment to promoting African cooperation and addressing regional challenges.
- Egypt offers to support Senegal's development plans through knowledge sharing and cooperation in vital sectors.
