Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola on October 3, on the sidelines of the Africa El Alamein Forum. The two ministers discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and exchanged views on several regional and international issues of common interest. This meeting highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Egypt and South Africa.
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdelatty praised the depth of Egyptian-South African relations, expressing his aspiration to elevate economic, trade, and investment relations. This aligns with the directives of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to upgrade relations between the two countries. The ministers also welcomed the establishment of the Egyptian-South African Business Council.
The Egyptian-South African Business Council is seen as a crucial mechanism for enhancing communication between the business communities of both countries and driving joint projects. Abdelatty emphasized the importance of intensifying cooperation between companies in both countries and leveraging opportunities in infrastructure, energy, transportation, and industry sectors. This cooperation aims to increase bilateral trade and investments, supporting economic integration in the continent.
The two ministers also exchanged views on several regional developments, including the situations in Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Palestinian issue, Libya, and the Sahel region. They stressed the importance of continued coordination and consultation between Egypt and South Africa in regional and international forums. This cooperation aims to support peace, security, and development efforts in the continent.
During the meeting, the ministers also discussed their countries' participation in the BRICS group, focusing on economic and developmental cooperation. They agreed to continue coordination within the group to support its objectives. The ministers also exchanged support for their countries' candidatures in various international forums.
Following the meeting, Abdelatty and Lamola signed an agreement to establish a joint high committee between Egypt and South Africa. This committee will enhance bilateral cooperation, monitor its various tracks, and drive the implementation of agreed-upon projects in political, economic, trade, investment, and developmental fields.
The ministers agreed to hold the first session of the Business Council during the upcoming visit of the South African minister to Egypt, in line with the agreement to elevate relations signed earlier. This visit is expected to further solidify the growing ties between the two nations, fostering greater cooperation in various sectors.
Key points
- Egypt and South Africa have agreed to establish a joint high committee to enhance bilateral cooperation.
- The two countries have also agreed to hold the first session of the Business Council during the upcoming visit of the South African minister to Egypt.
- The ministers discussed ways to support peace, security, and development efforts in the continent, particularly in Sudan, the Horn of Africa, and the Sahel region.
