Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sissi received his South African counterpart, Cyril Ramaphosa, in New Alamein on Sunday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 8th African Union mid-year coordination meeting. President Al-Sissi welcomed Ramaphosa, emphasizing Egypt's commitment to its historical and privileged relations with South Africa. He expressed the desire of both countries to continue their joint efforts to expand bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in politics, economy, trade, and investment.
The two leaders discussed ways to fully implement existing cooperation mechanisms between their countries. President Al-Sissi praised the establishment of the Egyptian-South African Business Council. He called for leveraging the significant potential and resources of both countries to support development efforts and economic integration in Africa. Ramaphosa acknowledged Egypt's role in supporting African common action and reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to strengthening cooperation and coordination with Egypt.
Ramaphosa commended Egypt's organization of the African Union coordination meeting and its efforts towards continental integration and development. He invited President Al-Sissi to undertake a state visit to South Africa. The two presidents exchanged views on regional issues, including the Palestinian question. President Al-Sissi appreciated South Africa's stance on this issue, which Ramaphosa said was in line with Egypt's historical position.
The leaders emphasized the importance of supporting efforts to enhance security, stability, and peaceful conflict resolution in Africa. This, they agreed, would enable the continent to allocate more resources to sustainable development and improving living conditions. They also discussed irregular immigration, its challenges, and ways to address it. Both countries recognize the need for a coordinated approach to tackle these pressing issues.
President Al-Sissi and Ramaphosa highlighted the convergences in their views on various African and international issues. They expressed their commitment to fostering a stronger partnership between Egypt and South Africa. This partnership aims to promote mutual interests and contribute to regional and global stability.
The meeting between the two presidents demonstrates the strong bilateral ties between Egypt and South Africa. It also underscores their shared vision for African development and cooperation. The state visit invitation extended to President Al-Sissi is expected to further solidify these relations and explore new avenues for collaboration.
The discussions between President Al-Sissi and Ramaphosa reflect the depth of Egypt and South Africa's strategic relationship. Both countries are keen on enhancing their cooperation across various sectors. The outcomes of their meeting are anticipated to have a positive impact on bilateral relations and African integration efforts.
Key points
- Egypt and South Africa aim to strengthen cooperation in politics, economy, trade, and investment.
- The two countries share a common stance on the Palestinian issue and support peaceful conflict resolution in Africa.
- President Ramaphosa invited President Al-Sissi on a state visit to South Africa to further bolster bilateral ties.
