Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi participated in the closing session of the 8th Coordination Meeting of the African Union held in the New Alamein City on Sunday, October 4, 2026. According to Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy, the President delivered a closing speech, emphasizing the importance of enhancing cooperation and integration frameworks in Africa. El-Sisi expressed his gratitude to participants for their distinguished visions, which reflect the results of their efforts to promote African unity and achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.
In his speech, President el-Sisi highlighted the significant progress made towards achieving continental integration and the development of coordination frameworks between the African Union, regional economic communities, and regional mechanisms. The discussions, he noted, also reflected the magnitude of current challenges, which require concerted efforts and continued cooperation. El-Sisi stressed that continental integration has become a strategic choice and a necessity to overcome these obstacles, based on a firm belief in the unity of destiny and goals.
The President emphasized the importance of accelerating the pace of economic and trade integration through the full activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. He also underscored the need to enhance work on building supply chains and logistical corridors. The closing statement issued by the meeting provides a clear roadmap for advancing regional and continental integration efforts. El-Sisi's speech reflected Egypt's commitment to promoting African unity and cooperation.
The 8th Coordination Meeting of the African Union was attended by various high-level officials and representatives of African countries. The meeting aimed to review progress made towards achieving the goals of Agenda 2063 and to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and integration among African countries. President el-Sisi's participation in the meeting reflects Egypt's active role in promoting African unity and cooperation.
The African Continental Free Trade Area is a flagship project of the African Union aimed at promoting economic integration and boosting intra-African trade. The agreement was signed in 2018 and entered into force in 2019. Egypt is one of the countries that have ratified the agreement and is committed to its implementation. The full implementation of the agreement is expected to increase intra-African trade and promote economic growth.
President el-Sisi's emphasis on the importance of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area reflects Egypt's commitment to promoting economic integration and cooperation in Africa. The President's speech also highlighted the need for African countries to work together to overcome current challenges and achieve their development goals. Egypt's active role in promoting African unity and cooperation is expected to continue.
The New Alamein City, where the meeting was held, is a new urban development in Egypt that aims to promote economic growth and development. The city is expected to become a major hub for trade and investment in the region. The hosting of the African Union meeting in the city reflects Egypt's efforts to promote economic development and cooperation in Africa.
Key points
- Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasizes the need for full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
