Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi participated in the opening session of the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting for the African Union and Regional Economic Communities in New El Alamein City, Egypt. The meeting was attended by African leaders and members of the African Union's bureau for the current year. The session began with the playing of the national anthem of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the official anthem of the African Union.
In his speech, President Sisi welcomed the African leaders to Egypt, emphasizing that the meeting represents an opportunity to enhance coordination between member states, the African Union Commission, and regional communities. This coordination aims to convert joint efforts into tangible projects and programs that achieve a real impact on people's lives. He also highlighted that New El Alamein City is a model for the ability to transform challenges into opportunities.
President Sisi pointed out that the African continent is going through a delicate phase amid geopolitical tensions, rising food and energy costs, and disrupted supply chains. This situation requires moving from mere coordination of positions to integrating capabilities and working together to build a more stable future. He renewed Egypt's stance against any external interference in the internal affairs of African countries.
The meeting discussed the progress made on the African Union's main theme for 2026, which is ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063. The session also explored ways to enhance coordination and integration among regional economic communities. Egypt's President emphasized the importance of sustainable water management as a real test of African integration.
President Sisi stressed that achieving development should not be at the expense of others and called for the full activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. This area is considered a key tool for building a unified African market, increasing intra-African trade, enhancing industrialization, and creating job opportunities. He also highlighted the importance of the private sector's role in supporting economic cooperation within the continent.
The Egyptian President asserted the importance of supporting reconstruction and development efforts in countries affected by conflicts. He also pointed to the launch of the El Alamein – Africa Business Forum as a platform that brings together governments, investors, and financial institutions to support economic cooperation within the continent. This forum aims to promote economic development and create opportunities for African countries.
President Sisi concluded his speech by expressing his hope that the meeting would result in a practical vision to support African joint action. He emphasized that Africa possesses significant resources and energies, and the current phase requires uniting wills and transforming cooperation frameworks into effective tools that achieve development and stability.
Key points
- The meeting discussed the progress made on the African Union's main theme for 2026.
- President Sisi emphasized the importance of sustainable water management.
- The Egyptian President called for the full activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
