Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye expressed his country's support for Egypt's position on the Nile River during talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in New Alamein. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the eighth African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting. Faye stated that Senegal shares Egypt's stance on managing shared water resources through consultation, dialogue, and adhering to the principle of avoiding harm in line with international law.
Faye cited the Senegal River Development Organization as a model for managing shared rivers through consultation and cooperation while ensuring water security and sustainable development. This organization brings together several countries to manage the Senegal River, promoting economic development and cooperation among member states. The Senegalese president's comments highlight the importance of collaborative approaches to managing transboundary water resources in Africa.
The two leaders also discussed ways to strengthen economic ties between their countries. Al-Sisi emphasized Egypt's readiness to support Senegal's five-year plan and its Senegal 2050 vision by sharing expertise in various sectors. These areas of cooperation include infrastructure development, agriculture, irrigation networks, land reclamation, and energy. Egypt's support aims to help Senegal achieve its development goals and improve the living standards of its citizens.
During their meeting, Al-Sisi and Faye touched on trade and investment opportunities between Egypt and Senegal. The Egyptian president called for greater bilateral trade and new private-sector investment partnerships. However, the statement did not announce any specific projects or agreements resulting from their discussions. Both leaders recognize the potential for increased economic cooperation and are exploring ways to enhance ties between their nations.
Al-Sisi congratulated Faye on Senegal's presidency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and praised Dakar's role in African Union and New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) initiatives. ECOWAS is a regional economic community aimed at promoting economic integration and cooperation among West African countries. Senegal's leadership role in ECOWAS and other African organizations underscores its commitment to regional cooperation and development.
Faye expressed his desire to deepen economic and cultural cooperation with Egypt and strengthen consultation on African and regional issues. The two presidents also discussed regional crises and stressed the need for peaceful solutions that address their root causes while preserving state unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Their discussions reflect a shared concern for stability and peace in Africa and a commitment to addressing common challenges.
The meeting between Al-Sisi and Faye demonstrates the strong bilateral relations between Egypt and Senegal. Both countries are working to enhance cooperation in various fields, including politics, economics, and culture. Their discussions also highlight the importance of African cooperation and the need for peaceful solutions to regional challenges. Key aspects of their talks include Egypt's support for Senegal's development plans and Senegal's backing of Egypt's Nile water position.
Key points
- Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye supports Egypt's stance on the Nile River, emphasizing the importance of consultation and cooperation in managing shared water resources.
- Egypt offers to support Senegal's development plans by sharing expertise in infrastructure, agriculture, and energy.
- The two leaders discuss regional crises and stress the need for peaceful solutions that preserve state unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
