Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi participated in the closing session of the 8th African Union (AU) Coordination Meeting in the New El Alamein City. The meeting aimed to enhance cooperation and integration among African countries. President Sisi delivered a closing speech, emphasizing the importance of accelerating economic integration and cooperation. He expressed gratitude to participants for their valuable insights, which reflect the outcomes of intensive efforts to promote African continental cooperation and integration.
The meeting discussed the progress made in implementing the African Union's Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for Africa's development. President Sisi highlighted the significant achievements and challenges facing the continent. He stressed that African integration has become a strategic choice and a necessity to overcome current obstacles. The President emphasized the importance of developing coordination mechanisms between the African Union and regional economic communities.
President Sisi underscored the need to accelerate economic and trade integration through the full activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He also emphasized the importance of building supply chains and logistical corridors, as well as developing and linking transportation and energy networks. Furthermore, he highlighted the need for sustainable and innovative financing for development programs and projects, in cooperation with continental financial institutions.
The President noted that there is a need to link sustainable development, economic growth, and peace and security in Africa. He stressed that this requires enhancing conflict prevention efforts, developing early warning mechanisms, and consolidating post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts. President Sisi also emphasized the importance of maximizing the role of the African Union's Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Cairo.
On the sidelines of the meeting, President Sisi attended the opening of the Africa El Alamein Business Forum, which brought together a group of African business leaders and investors. The forum aimed to discuss ways to support and activate economic integration and cooperation in Africa. President Sisi expressed his appreciation for the participation of the private sector in the forum, which provided an opportunity for leaders to listen to the views of the private sector.
President Sisi thanked his counterpart, President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, for his wise leadership of the African Union during the current year. He also expressed gratitude to the heads of regional economic communities, the Chair of the African Union Commission, and other leaders for their efforts in supporting the integration and development of the African continent.
In conclusion, President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to working and cooperating with African countries to achieve a safe, stable, and prosperous Africa. He emphasized the importance of African solidarity and cooperation in achieving the continent's development goals. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a roadmap to promote regional and continental integration.
Key points
- President Sisi calls for accelerated African economic integration through the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- The President emphasizes the need for sustainable and innovative financing for development programs and projects in Africa.
- Egypt reaffirms its commitment to working with African countries to achieve a safe, stable, and prosperous Africa.
