President El-Sisi Makes Phone Call with Congolese President

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held a phone call this evening with the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the current Chairperson of the African Union, President Félix Tshisekedi.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the call addressed the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries as well as the developments of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue.

For his part, President Tshisekedi expressed his appreciation for the sincere and diligent Egyptian endeavor to reach a balanced solution to the GERD issue, one that takes into account the interests of all parties. In this context, the President affirmed Egypt’s firm position on the necessity of reaching a legally-binding agreement regarding the rules of the filling and operation of the dam before the next rainy season. With that, the rights of the downstream counties and the stability of the region would be preserved. His Excellency further noted the Egyptian support to the Sudanese proposal to form an international quartet under the chairmanship of the African Union to mediate this issue.

With regard to the bilateral relations, President El-Sisi asserted Egypt’s pride for its friendly and cooperative relationships with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His Excellency further expressed Egypt’s keenness to enhance these relations at all levels, including continuing the transfer of expertise, building the Congolese capabilities in all fields, supporting the Congolese developmental sectors, and strengthening the coordination between the two countries on regional files of common interest, especially in light of the current Congolese chairmanship of the African Union.

For his part, President Tshisekedi affirmed the DRC’s keenness to enhance cooperation with Egypt in various fields, particularly in light of the pivotal role Egypt plays at the continental level in maintaining security and stability and achieving development. The Congolese President expressed his country's appreciation for Egypt's positions and support for the DRC in regional and international forums as well as the Egyptian development efforts through providing technical support and building the Congolese cadres and capabilities.