President El-Sisi’s Speech at the COMESA Summit Closing Session

“In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful"

Heads of State and Government,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to extend to you all my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for your efforts and for the fruitful and constructive discussions you held today to finalize our agenda. Also, allow me to express my gratitude to all of you; COMESA Secretary General, all members of the General Secretariat and everyone who contributed to the preparation and organization of our summit today for the great efforts exerted to make the summit a success, despite the current formidable challenges imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

What we have achieved today demonstrates a true will and a firm determination of COMESA member states to realize regional economic integration in the area, by adopting the best practices and policies to free trade among our countries, upgrade the infrastructure, achieve industrial development, and work toward attracting more investments to the region. This summit came up with tangible results represented in the launch of the COMESA medium-term Strategy 2021-2025, which came as evidence of a clear and thoughtful vision by all member states to enhance joint cooperation in all fields.

Therefore, it has become imperative that we take the necessary measures that will enable us to fully apply the free trade agreement among COMESA countries in all member states. This is the goal which, by its achievement, will turn intra-trade into a major drive that will boost production rates and enhance production and industrial integration among member states. This will reflect positively on the coveted economic and social development and ensure prosperity, and decent life for our peoples.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Realizing the highest levels of regional economic integration in the COMESA region compels us all to make room for all the key players who directly participate in achieving economic development in the member states. On top of which is the private sector and business community, due to their vital and efficient role in enhancing intra COMESA trade. Therefore, strengthening communication with the private sector and business community in the COMESA countries, knowing their aspirations and eliminating all obstacles that they face are key goals that must be achieved and integral to the success of applying regional economic integration policies, adopted within the COMESA region.    

In this context, we must laud efforts exerted by the COMESA Business Council and its constant keenness to search for the available and possible opportunities to enhance engagement among the business sectors in member states.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Stemming from the importance of the COMESA to Egypt’s national economy and the responsibility we shoulder to contribute to realizing the COMESA goals during the year of our presidency of the community, and in light of the endeavors and goals presented to you-that we hope to achieve in a number of proposed fields for further development during this year- I call on all of you to participate in implementing this vision and assist in achieving these endeavors and goals in a way that serves the interests and goals of the COMESA community and peoples of the member states.

Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Before concluding, we cannot forget congratulating the judge of the COMESA Court of Justice on assuming her post, the new commissioners at the COMESA Competition Commission and the members of the COMESA Committee of Elders. We ask God to grant them success in their new duties, for the benefit of the peoples of the member states.

I would also like to congratulate the recipients of the creativity awards and the COMESA media awards, noting their role as well as the role of various media in serving the community’s goals for economic integration. 

At the end of this fruitful day, I would like to seize the opportunity before the conclusion of the summit to invite you all to participate in the implementation of Egypt’s vision to realize the COMESA endeavors and goals in a manner that serves the interests of its peoples. We also confirm Egypt’s full support and continued assistance to all the African peoples in their pursuit towards achieving continental and regional economic integration. We have confidence in the strength and determination of the continent’s peoples to lead their countries towards achieving peace, security, stability and justice, being the pillars for realizing economic development.

In conclusion, I announce the closing of the 21^st COMESA summit and pray to God to assist us in fulfilling the aspirations of our peoples.

Thank you.

Peace be upon you.