Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in the 8th Mid-Year Coordinating 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 continent's progress and challenges. The meeting's main agenda item was the African Union's 2026 theme, "Guaranteeing sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063."
In his opening remarks, President Sisi emphasized the importance of coordination between the African Union, regional economic communities, and member states to achieve sustainable development. He noted that coordination is not an end in itself but a means to integrate efforts and turn common aspirations into concrete projects that benefit people's lives. President Sisi cited the city of El Alamein as an example of transformation from a war-torn area to a hub for investment, work, and construction.
President Sisi highlighted the challenges facing Africa, including geopolitical tensions, conflicts, terrorism, and organized crime. He stressed that these challenges require a collective response and that Africa must work together to build its capacity to address them. The President emphasized the need for African countries to respect each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity. He also called for a rejection of external interference in the internal affairs of African countries.
President Sisi underscored the importance of managing shared resources, including water, in a sustainable and equitable manner. He welcomed the African Union's choice of theme for 2026 and the adoption of the Africa Water Vision and Policy 2063. The President expressed his hope to work with African countries to implement the policy and achieve water security, stability, and sustainable development.
The President emphasized that economic integration is crucial for peace and stability in Africa. He called for the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which came into effect in 2019. President Sisi noted that the agreement offers an opportunity to build a single African market, increase intra-African trade, and promote industrialization and job creation.
President Sisi stressed that Africa should not remain merely a source of raw materials but should build integrated value chains and enhance its productive and manufacturing capacities. He announced the launch of the "El Alamein - Africa Business Forum" to bring together African leaders, businessmen, and investors to promote economic cooperation and development.
President Sisi concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of post-conflict reconstruction and development in Africa. He noted that Egypt, as a champion of post-conflict reconstruction, is committed to supporting efforts to rebuild and develop countries affected by conflicts. The President called for increased funding and support for post-conflict reconstruction initiatives to have a tangible impact on people's lives.
Key points
- President Sisi emphasizes the importance of coordination and integration among African countries to achieve sustainable development and address common challenges.
- The African Union's 2026 theme focuses on guaranteeing sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063.
- President Sisi calls for the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to promote economic integration and development in Africa.
