Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi participated in the opening session of the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities in the New City of El Alamein. The meeting brought together African leaders, heads of regional economic communities, and other stakeholders to discuss the progress made on the AU's 2026 theme of ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems.
The meeting's agenda included discussions on enhancing coordination and integration among regional economic communities in Africa, as well as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. Egyptian President Sisi emphasized the importance of coordination among African nations, stating that it is essential for achieving sustainable development and overcoming the challenges facing the continent.
President Sisi highlighted the need for African nations to work together to address global challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and organized crime. He also stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African nations, and rejecting external interference in their internal affairs.
The Egyptian President emphasized the need for a more integrated and coordinated approach to managing the continent's natural resources, including water. He noted that the theme of the AU for 2026, "Ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems," is crucial for achieving the goals of Agenda 2063.
President Sisi also called for the full implementation of the AfCFTA agreement, which aims to create a single, unified African market. He noted that this will help to increase intra-African trade, promote economic growth, and create jobs.
In addition to economic integration, President Sisi emphasized the importance of post-conflict reconstruction and development in Africa. He noted that rebuilding and recovering from conflicts is a critical component of the AU's peace and security architecture.
President Sisi concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need for African nations to work together to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity. He noted that Egypt is committed to supporting the AU's efforts to promote peace, security, and development in Africa, and looks forward to continuing to work with its African partners to achieve these goals.
Key points
- President Sisi calls for greater coordination and cooperation among African nations to address the continent's challenges.
- The Egyptian President emphasizes the importance of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
- President Sisi highlights the need for post-conflict reconstruction and development in Africa.
