Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi delivered a speech at the third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, emphasizing the importance of establishing a more just international order that allows developing nations equal opportunities for development and access to resources. He highlighted the need for reform in the UN Security Council to better represent African voices. El-Sisi also underscored Egypt's commitment to fostering a strong partnership with Russia, translating political understandings into tangible projects that benefit both sides.
El-Sisi pointed out that the current summit builds on the momentum from the first summit in Sochi, Russia, in October 2019. He praised the progress made in strengthening ties between Russia and African nations, noting that success in this partnership depends on the ability to implement agreements and expand cooperation areas that serve mutual interests. The Egyptian president expressed his country's interest in seeing these partnerships yield concrete results.
The Egyptian president expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the need to maintain the security and stability of the Red Sea as a strategic waterway vital to regional and national interests. El-Sisi firmly stated Egypt's rejection of any militarization of the Red Sea, stressing the importance of preserving its security and stability. He also welcomed dialogue as a means to address crises and resolve disputes.
El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's unwavering stance on the unity and territorial integrity of Sudan, rejecting any threats to the African nation's sovereignty. He called for concerted efforts to end conflict and support a Sudanese-led political process. The president highlighted the significance of transboundary water resources, advocating for cooperation based on international law and mutual benefit.
On economic cooperation, El-Sisi cited successful projects such as the Dabaa nuclear power plant and the Russian Industrial Zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone as models for collaboration between Egypt and Russia. He stressed the importance of building on these projects to expand partnerships in priority areas, including energy, and support Africa's economic development.
El-Sisi outlined Egypt's vision for African development, focusing on five key areas: establishing strategic corridors and logistics hubs, boosting intra-African trade, enhancing energy and electricity cooperation, ensuring water and food security, and promoting communication and information technology. He emphasized that Egypt's future is closely tied to Africa's, and sustainable development requires integrated efforts and African ownership of development priorities.
The Egyptian president concluded his address by thanking Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government for hosting the summit. He expressed hope that the summit's outcomes will contribute to a more secure, equitable, and prosperous future for all nations involved. Following the session, El-Sisi was set to participate in a working lunch for heads of state and delegations attending the summit.
Key points
- Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi calls for a fairer international order and reform in the UN Security Council.
- El-Sisi rejects the militarization of the Red Sea, emphasizing its strategic importance.
- The Egyptian president advocates for strengthened economic cooperation between Russia and Africa.
