The 32nd African Union Summit

Egypt’s Sisi Heads to Addis Ababa to Chair African Union

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will head to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Saturday for a historic visit to chair the African Union this Sunday, February 10th for a year after which he will chair the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

Egypt's chairmanship of the African Union, for the first time since its foundation in 2002 succeeding the Organisation of African Unity, is the culmination of Egypt's efforts under the leadership of President el-Sisi in the recent years to strengthen relations with the African continent at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Egypt's chairmanship is also considered an embodiment of Egypt's restoration of its pivotal role as one of the founding states of the Organization of African Unity in the sixties of the last century. These are the efforts appreciated by the African brotherly countries which were reflected on granting Egypt and its president confidence in the management and supervision of the strenuous efforts exerted in the African continent to meet the African peoples' dreams and aspirations for a better future and lead the joint African action under delicate international and regional conditions exacerbated by the diversity of challenges the continent is facing. The afore-mentioned necessitates the importance of coordinating the common African position to deal with these challenges and for Africa to play its role as an influencing power in the international arena in close cooperation and coordination between Egypt and its brotherly African countries.

The African Summit will be held under the theme "Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa", which is chosen in line with Africa's increasing number of displaced persons and refugees as well as the growing phenomenon of human trafficking. This necessitates facing these challenges as per a comprehensive approach within a framework of collective responsibility.

The summit agenda will include intensive discussion of a number of the most important topics that concern the African peoples, which are mainly under the main pillars of development, peace and security in addition to developing mechanisms for implementing the institutional and structural reform of the African Union.

As per development, the summit will discuss a number of sustainable development issues within the framework of the African Development Agenda 2063, most notably the issue of regional integration through developing both continental infrastructure and connectivity projects, following up the efforts of activating the Continental Free Trade Area and maximizing coordination with international financial institutions and the content's strategic partners from countries and organizations to mobilize both the required funding and support for development efforts in Africa. The summit will also address these issues through advancing the exerted efforts to find innovative solutions to overcome the negative impact of climate change and tackle some health, education, innovation and localization of technology-related topics.

When it comes to peace and security, the latest developments will be discussed in terms of the most important conflict spots in Africa as well as the relentless efforts made in the continent to resolve disputes. The preventive diplomacy frameworks in the continent will be strengthened through adopting practical measures to implement "Silencing the Guns" initiative in Africa by 2020 together with the efforts to revive the African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Policy as well as the activities of countering terrorism and extremism in the African States.

(The 32nd AU Summit Events)

El-Sisi Receives the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The president renewed his congratulations to President Felix Tshisekedi on the confidence given to him by the brotherly Congolese people following the recent successful presidential, parliamentary and local elections held by the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His excellency also praised the people’s awareness of the importance of these elections and support to their results for maintaining the country's stability and security, thus arriving at a consensus on the smooth transition of power to the president-elect. El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's determination to continue providing all possible assistance to Congo with which we share historical ties that represent a model of mutual cooperation, coordination and support.
For his part, President Tshisekedi commended the distinguished friendship and relations between the two countries, stressing his eagerness to continue enhancing these relations at all levels, especially within the framework of various areas of development and art, in parallel with boosting the bilateral political relations, maximizing the consultation mechanisms and coordination in all areas.
President Tshisekedi also praised the unlimited Egyptian support to maintain peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo apart from any personal motives and the tremendous diplomatic support in all the regional and international forums, reviewing in this context the developments with regard to the political path in his country after the elections success.
El-Sisi expressed Egypt's deep appreciation for President Tshisekedi's keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries in the coming period, valuing the Congolese position in support of Egypt concerning the Nile water issues. He also stressed that Egypt aspires that the developments in Congo would be the driving force of its economic and social development efforts by making use of its rich resources and human potentials. Moreover, he stressed that Egypt will continue to support the fellow Congolese people to ensure their unity and territorial integrity, whether through our forthcoming presidency of the African Union or existing bilateral cooperation frameworks.
In this context, the president reiterated Egypt’s aspiration to improve coordination and bilateral political consultation, particularly through convening the joint committee. El-Sisi invited the Congolese president to visit Egypt as soon as possible.

Egypt's Sisi Receives the Secretary General of the United Nations

El-Sisi expressed his pleasure to meet the Secretary General of the United Nations. His excellency stressed Egypt’s aspiration that the African Union would witness a qualitative leap towards strengthening and deepening the strategic partnership between the African Union and the United Nations during Egypt’s presidency within the existing frameworks of cooperation between the two organizations, particularly in the areas of peace, security and development.
In this context, el-Sisi reviewed Egypt's vision of the priorities and substantive aspects that it intends to push forward within the framework of the African Union during the year of the Egyptian presidency that aims primarily at continuing the progress achieved in the implementation of the continental and global development agendas in Africa and boosting the regional integration and complementarity projects. Moreover, Egypt is looking forward to achieving tangible results of resolving and preventing conflicts across the continent and to complementing and strengthening the African peace and security infrastructure to enhance the continent's capabilities and mechanisms to maintain its security and stability.
The president also stressed the need to continue the efforts and coordination internationally in the reform process within the United Nations, taking into account the importance of the African continent's effective participation in the reform process. He highlighted in this regard that Egypt is keen to improve the mechanisms of work within the organization and enhance its effectiveness and its performance in accordance with the escalating challenges and the current global reality.
For his part, Mr. António Guterres congratulated el-Sisi on Egypt's presidency of the African Union. He referred to the United Nations' reliance on Cairo in enhancing cooperation and integration with the Union. He expressed his appreciation for the extended cooperation between Egypt and the United Nations in the various activities of the organization, affirming Egypt's pivotal role in Africa, and the keenness of the international community to strengthen cooperation with Egypt to establish development in its troubled geographical environment and to maintain regional peace and security.
The Secretary General of the United Nations also reviewed the latest developments in the United Nations reform process, particularly with regard to giving priority to conflict prevention efforts to achieve the sustainability of peace and activating the development system. In this regard, he appreciated Egypt's continued coordination and consultation with the United Nations.
The meeting discussed the latest developments on a number of regional issues, especially the situation in Libya, the Horn of Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Secretary General reviewed the efforts exerted by the United Nations to reach political solutions to these issues. El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's foreign policy parameters in this regard which are based on the importance of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of the states, safeguarding the fortunes of their peoples and supporting their national institutions. During the meeting, a consensus was reached on the importance of continuing the intensive coordination and consultation during the coming period between Egypt and the United Nations regarding various regional issues, particularly in the light of the Egyptian presidency of the African Union.

(1st day of the 32nd AU Summit)

Egypt's Sisi Participated in Trilateral Summit with Sudanese President and Ethiopian Prime Minister

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi participated this morning in a trilateral summit with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa.
The tripartite summit was an extension of the meetings that took place between the leaders of the three countries since the African Summit in January 2018. It mainly aims to provide a political umbrella for supporting the technical negotiations concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, to overcome any obstacles in this regard and to promote triangular cooperation between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia.
The president stressed in this regard the importance of working to ensure a balanced and cooperative vision to fill and operate the Dam in order to meet the interests and objectives of each of the three countries and prevent impingement on the rights of others.
Leaders of the three countries stressed at the summit the need to share one vision on the issue of the dam, based on the Declaration of Principles on the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam signed in Khartoum and to uphold the principle of not harming the interests of the three countries in the framework of mutual benefit.
The three leaders agreed not to harm the interests of their peoples as a basis for negotiations and to work together to achieve development for their peoples by working to reach consensus on all pending technical issues.

The tripartite summit also touched upon the overall dimensions of the relations between the three countries and means of enhancing cooperation between them, while continuing intensive consultation and coordination on various issues of common interest.
Egypt's Sisi Participates Today in the Opening of the 32nd African Union Summit
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi participated today in the opening of the 32nd AU Summit, which will be held from 10-11 February in Addis Ababa.

The president participated in the opening session of the Summit, which witnessed his inauguration speech, after taking the chair of the African Union from Rwanda.
The president's speech included Egypt's vision of ways and mechanisms of promoting the joint Africa action to create a better world for African peoples, particularly with regard to development issues, the empowerment of women and youth, peace and security and the relationship with the African Union’s strategic partners; states and donor organizations. The speech also addressed the most important axes of the Egyptian presidency of the Union, especially through enhancing efforts to achieve regional integration in the continent by the development of the African infrastructure, boosting the efforts of continental integration through accelerating the establishment of the continental free trade zone, developing preventive diplomacy and reconstruction in the continent to prevent conflicts from spreading into it.
The opening session also discussed the 2019 theme "Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions for Forced Displacement in Africa", The president stressed the importance of working on strengthening cooperation to address the challenges of the spreading phenomena of asylum and displacement in the continent and to devise practical solutions that are quick and effective to overcome them.
The opening session was followed by a closed meeting of African leaders to discuss the report on peace and security in Africa, reviewing the situations of a number of crises in Africa and the efforts to develop the African peace and security structure, especially in light of the breakthrough took place last period in various issues, such as the Horn of Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as an update on the implementation of the Gun Silence Initiative in Africa by 2020, which is based on an ambitious vision for development as a basis for moving towards stability and ending conflicts in Africa. The president also referred to the terrorist threats that have been exacerbated in many parts of Africa. He also reviewed Egypt's experience in combating terrorism and extremist ideology, stressing that the cohesion of national institutions in African countries and the strengthening of security cooperation among them will undoubtedly defeat all endemic terrorist entities in the continent and will make them incidental phenomena.

Sisi's Speech at the Opening Session of the 32nd AU Summit

Following is the full speech of President el-Sisi at the opening session of the 32nd AU Summit:
In the name of God the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses ... African kings and heads of states and governments,
His Excellency, the President of the State of Palestine,
Brothers and Sisters,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the beginning, let me express my gratitude and appreciation to my fellow Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, and to the brotherly Ethiopian People for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. I also would like to thank his excellency President Paul Kagame for the sincere efforts he exerted to boost the joint Africa action and for his diligent work during his chairmanship of the African Union and the remarkable progress achieved at the level of the African Union reform, thus making it more capable to meet its important responsibilities in light of the crucial regional and international situations in which the challenges and risks facing the African interests are intertwined. I also affirm that Egypt will exert strenuous efforts to continue the path we have embarked on together for the institutional, structural and financial reform of the Union and to complete the achievements made. These efforts aim at strengthening the ownership of the member states to their continental organization and developing the instruments and capacities of the Union and its commission to meet the aspirations and hopes of the African peoples.

I also would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to his excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, as he was elected chairman of the African Union in 2020. In my position as the chairman, I fully believe that the union will support the continuity and institutionalization within the framework of joint Africa action and enhance our African solidarity.
I would also like to welcome the African leaders who are presiding over the delegations of their countries for the first time in the meetings of the African Union Summit, congratulating them on the confidence given to them by their peoples, wishing them the best of luck in their work and looking forward to cooperating with them to promote joint Africa action.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses, Your Majesties
I would like to thank you all for the high honor and trust you have given to Egypt to lead the African Union during 2019, which represents the summit of the joint Africa action. It has been exemplified in the national liberation revolutions in Africa since the 1950s when Egypt was the first to put up the political struggle against colonialism and deem it an important axis in its foreign policy at the time. Cairo was the main destination for all African movements seeking independence and national liberation from colonialism.
Today, I stand before you aware of the great responsibility you have devolved to Egypt to coordinate the joint Africa action during the crucial international and continental situation, which is beset by extremist tendencies and waves of terrorism. The challenges facing the concept of a national state are growing along with the aspirations of peoples.
Nothing represents a source of optimism as our meeting together to deliberate and contemplate the affairs of our glorious continent and to coordinate our steps on our only road in order to bring happiness to the hundreds of millions of our children and grandchildren; the goal to which we devote all our work and effort.
More than half a century has passed since the meeting of the Founding Fathers who laid the foundation for the unity of Africa here in Addis Ababa in May 1963, when the late leader Gamal Abdel Nasser said, "Let it be a charter for all Africa, and hold meetings at all official and popular levels and start our path in economic cooperation towards a joint African market". These are words that have been more than half a century old but still resonate.
Since that historic moment and till now, Africa has come a long way and we achieved many dreams, overcame many obstacles, faced new challenges, got rid of colonialism, although its effects and implications are still there. Currently, we are still working hard to consolidate the elements of peace, security and stability and to achieve the economic and continental integration of our States and peoples, seeking to build the African human beings. The common understanding and mutual respect between all of us, without doubt, are the greatest driving forces we give to the African Union. By deepening our common will, our joint action can move towards all the prospects we are looking for, just as what the late Ghanaian leader Kwame Nkrumah said “Divided we are weak; united Africa can become one of the greatest forces for good in the world”

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like here to emphasize the importance of establishing the principle of "African solutions to African problems", which is the only way to deal with the common challenges that confront us. Africa is able to understand the complexities of its problems and the specificity of its situations and is, therefore, able to find serious and realistic solutions and resolutions that will serve the interests of its people and protect them from foreign interference and falling into the grip of modernized and new patterns of exploitation that do not suit their reality. Despite our relentless efforts to control and besiege conflicts in the continent and our ambitious plan to silence guns throughout the continent by 2020, it is evident that we still have a long way to go to end the fight in Africa. We must continue to work together to turn that painful page of conflict in Africa, which whipped the development hopes of the continent.
We also have to believe in the importance of being fortified with the armor of development to address the crises roots. I would like to invite you, fellow African leaders, to work together to revitalize and activate framework policy for post-conflict reconstruction and development, and to develop executive action plans that would safeguard the countries emerging from conflict against the dangers of relapse and help build the capacity of the state’s institutions to carry out their duties of protecting their countries and contributing to healing the wounds of our societies. We look forward to launching the activities of the African Union Center for post-conflict reconstruction and development hosted by Cairo as soon as possible so as to be a coordination platform and think tank that develops special programs for countries emerging from conflict, takes into account the state's specificity and protects its right to ownership of the reconstruction and development process.
The work to develop and strengthen the African peace and security infrastructure in a comprehensive and sustainable manner continues to be a strategic objective for our continent. Also, the mediation and preventive diplomacy will continue to be a top priority for the African Union. We will also promote coordination and harmonization between the mechanisms of the regional and continental peace and security so as to be complemented without intersection, thereby promoting early and effective response to various crises.
Terrorism remains a malignant cancer that seeks to penetrate the bodies of African nations, attacks the joints of the national state, and hijacks the dreams of peoples and their children. Combating terrorism in a comprehensive manner requires us to identify its supporters and sponsors and to confront them together within a collective and revealing framework. Recognizing the complexity of that battle, it remains the best way to uproot and eradicate terrorism. This does not diminish neither the inevitability of refuting the poison of extremism that sparks terrorism nor the importance of promoting the strong and safeguarding state’s institutions.
Bridging the gap between establishing of peace and stability and reaping the fruits of development are on the top of the concerns of international peace and security forums and concern the political leaders and provoke the brightest diplomatic, security and strategic minds. In this context, I am pleased to announce the launch of the first edition of the Aswan Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development in 2019 that would be a regional and continental platform where leaders of politics, thought, and opinion, peacemakers and development partners gather in Aswan, the jewel of the Nile, to discuss together horizons of connecting peace and development in a sustainable manner so as to effect tangible change in the lives of the peoples and spread hope to them.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The African Union Summit is being held today under the title "Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons, Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa". Here, I would like to emphasize that we are presenting multiple diseases; the spread of conflicts, the brutality of terrorism, the barbarity of extremism, climate change, extreme poverty, water scarcity and drought, all of which are factors that force people to leave their homes when combined together. The effects of these crises are obvious in Africa, primarily, as the number of refugees is about 8 million, 90% of whom are refugees inside the continent.
Moreover, the number of the displaced persons is about 18 million. This urges us to adopt a development approach that includes mega continental and regional projects so as to provide as many job opportunities as possible to the citizens of the continent; to adopt innovative reconstructing programs that rehabilitate the communities to provide proper conditions for bringing back those who are displaced to their homes; and to set a medium-term development plan that will create integrated and attractive economic zones throughout the continent to employ the African workforce and keep them in their motherlands.
In this context, we should intensify our scientific cooperation to take advantage of the natural resources of the continent to diversify energy sources by supporting renewable and clean energy projects, thereby contributing to mitigating the ecological impacts of climate change that affect the lives of our peoples. Being committed to protect our planet in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, Africa calls on the developed countries to abide by their commitments, especially because these countries are the one affect the Earth's climate the most, and they benefit the most from its resources..
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Africa has gained a lot by adopting common and unified positions in international multilateral discussions and negotiations. This prompts us to consolidate African consensus to defend the African interests, particularly with regard to the right of the State to have development programs and Africa's historical right to fair representation in the UN Security Council, in a way that reflects the African common position in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
Day after day, the great African women regain their pivotal role in contributing to the leadership of our continent. I pay tribute to them for they have borne the scourge of war with patience and have overcome the scarcity of resources with exerting more efforts. I tell you, women of Africa, that the door is opened to you all and that nothing would prevent you from realizing your hopes and asserting your leadership. You have just to continue exerting efforts, and be armed with knowledge and determination; and we have to open all doors for realizing the hopes and dreams of yours, the African women.
To the youth of Africa; the continent’s beating heart and strong hands, I say that we exert efforts and make plans, hoping that we will leave the continent to you stronger than how we have inherited it, and that we will open to you wider horizons and create tools that will enable you to steer the wheel of the safe and secured Africa. Be confident that we always believe in you and your dreams. You have to work hard as your continent needs your diligent and strenuous efforts. Plant the seeds of a bright future before you rush towards migration adventures that are closer to suicide, and consider before following the extremism allegations that trap you in the grip of terrorism.
I tell Africa’s partners that partnership with Africa is a genuine opportunity to achieve the common interests and score a profitable economic and development investment. Being keen on enhancing its integration, Africa is still opened to the world and we will seek to deepen the cooperation with our current partners to adopt actionable implementation plans that would bring about tangible outcomes for the continent’s peoples. We will also work on widening the horizons of the African cooperation with different international partners who seek to build the African potentials, transfer knowledge, upgrade the continent’s manufacturing system, develop the basic and technological infrastructure and laying the foundation of the digital economy in Africa.
From this forum, Africa calls on the global private sector institutions and international businesses to invest in our continent. The African markets are open, its investment climate is proper, our hand is extended for help, and our soil is rich in resources, besides we have a huge human resource and a relentless determination to build the future of our continent. I call upon the finance international, regional and continental institutions to undertake their roles in financing the development in Africa and provide flexible finance guarantees to build the continent’s potentials, thus contributing to enhancing trade and increasing investments. I also remind them always that every continent enjoys its special characteristics, and every country has its own privacy. It’s time for these institutions to perceive Africa in a different manner and provide flexible conditions and criteria contributing to achieving Africa’s dreams so as to keep pace with development, modernization and sustainable development.
Brothers and Sisters,
Our success to achieve targets of the social and economic development largely depends on our capability of facing together this challenge, and so it is our duty to work together to overcome the obstacles that hinder the Africa joint action through focus on three axes:

The first axis is boosting the regional integration efforts in Africa. The best way to this end is upgrading the African infrastructure through increasing the trans- border projects and encouraging investment in this field especially within the AU’s top priority projects like connecting Cairo and Cape Town by land, linking between North and South power and linking the Mediterranean with Lake Victoria.
The second axis is accelerating the continental integration through accelerating the pace of establishing the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA), which is one of the most important priorities of the AU. This will contribute to reducing the prices of many goods and increasing the African competitiveness internationally. Thus, the surrounding circumstances oblige us to enhance our cooperation and intensify our efforts to bring the Agreement of the Area into force as soon as possible. Furthermore, we have to work together on completing the African trade, investment and economic system which enables us to achieve tangible results for our peoples.
The third and last axis represents the culmination of the two previous ones, and it is seeking to provide more job opportunities for the youth. This mainly requires mobilizing national and international investments, attracting capital and localizing technology.
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses
Kings and Heads of State and Government of African Countries,
The continent is attentively looking forward to us, our decisions and works. We have no other choice but facing the challenge and proving that the sons of this struggling soil are capable of giving ceaselessly in order to find a better world for our peoples. Consequently, the joint Africa action is no longer a choice, yet it became imperative amidst an international situation that is full of challenges and difficulties the countries cannot face unilaterally. From here, the importance of translating our words and decisions into specific practical steps is emphasized in a way that makes the world positive that we mean what we say, and the African solidarity is a vital entity that can move situations and impose itself on the events, and is not just a theoretical slogan. Our ancestors had the wisdom of the unity, and we draw courage from them, the courage that the late leader Nelson Mandela, after which this hall is named, referred to saying “courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it”. It is our duty to renew the pledge to complete this path relentlessly and with inexhaustible inspiration in leaning willingly and enthusiastically on the African solidarity rock that always has been reinforcing the African peoples’ faith that its unity is the only way to preserve its rights and interests.
Long Live Africa and Long Live its Great Peoples,
Thank you,
May Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be Upon You."

(2nd day of the 32nd AU Summit)

Egypt's El-Sisi Chairs Last Day of African Union Summit

Today, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi chairs the second and last day of the 32nd African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

The Spokesperson of the Egyptian presidency stated that the second day of the African Union Summit, under the chairmanship of President el-Sisi, had witnessed, at its beginning, a closed session which dealt with a number of reports submitted by African Heads of State and Government to update the Union on the latest issues of interest to the African continent.The most important of these issues are addressing climate change, reforming the UN Security Council, and achieving sustainable comprehensive development as per the African Agenda 2063 as well as promoting continental political integration, combating corruption, tackling illegal immigration, developing all aspects of the health sector, and fighting terrorism and violent extremism.

The afore-mentioned was followed by the adoption of a number of African Union legal instruments and mechanisms which are the establishment of the African Drug Agency, the statute of the African Audiovisual and Cinema Commission, the statute for the establishment of the African Union International Center for Girls and Women Education in Africa and the African Transitional Justice Policy.

The closed session also witnessed the adoption of a number of appointments in some committees and organs of the African Union which are the African Union Commission on International Law, the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, the Peace and Security Council. The closed session also witnessed the appointment of five members in the Panel of Eminent African Personalities concerned with the evaluation of candidates for the posts of commissioners.

As for the adoption of the decisions made by the summit, President el-Sisi was entrusted with leading the theme of "Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development" in the African Union within the framework of establishing the principle of "African solutions to African problems" to prevent the recurrence of conflicts in the continent and linking the achievement of stability and peace to development taking into account the privacy of the countries of the continent and protecting their right to control their path of reconstruction and development. The decision of the Executive Council to award Egypt the rights to host the African Space Agency was also adopted.

The summit ended with the closing session during which President el-Sisi handed over the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Awards for Scientific Excellence followed by the Achievements Awards for Women's Empowerment and a special award given to the Director-General of FAO. Finally, he delivers closing remarks at the summit.

President El-Sisi's Speech at 32nd AU Summit Closing Session

"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful"
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies and Your Highnesses... African kings and heads of states and governments,
His Excellency President of the State of Palestine,
Brothers and Sisters,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your active participation and sincere contributions to our Summit. I also wish to welcome the brothers of the African leaders who have been participating for the first time, wishing them every success in their missions.

During two days of intense work, we succeeded in achieving tangible success that is added to the joint African action. The summit discussions highlighted our consensus on the priorities of our move in 2019, foremost of which is pushing forward the process of continental integration, accelerating the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, and completing the economic system via the development of infrastructure in the African continent. It was also evident that attention should be paid to post-conflict reconstruction and development programs and projects to build more on the progress achieved in peacebuilding. It is also important to strengthen the State's national capacity and to advance development to maintain every progress achieved in the peace front in addition to creating the required conditions for the return of displaced persons to their homes as soon as possible.

This year will also witness the continuation of exerted efforts to reform our Union in the framework of a profound and precise reform process led and owned by member states, which will form a stronger and more efficient union that will enable us to realize the hopes and aspirations of the African peoples.

In 2019, we will further strengthen the foundations of sustainable development by developing the potentials of our societies, providing more jobs for our youth and paving the way to a strong prosperous Africa, depending on addressing the root causes of the continent's crises and gathering our efforts to resolve the crises of the displaced persons, migrants and refugees comprehensively and radically. To that end, the urgent humanitarian support efforts are combined with peacebuilding and reconstruction plans as well as the efforts to deepen development that is fairly reflected in all parts of the continent.

Our Summit also witnessed the consolidation of African solidarity with regard to the positions of our unified continent on many issues on the international scene, foremost among which is the need to secure funding for activities of peace and security in the continent to ensure the sustainability of peace and the importance of lifting injustice practised in the African continent with regard to the membership of the Security Council. Additionally, it is important for our continent to continue expressing its common position towards the reform of the Security Council in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration as well as the affirmation of national ownership of development programs and projects.

We will work together in 2019 to deepen cooperation with international partners from international organizations, regional groups, economic blocs, funding institutions and state actors internationally to strengthen the continent's industrial capabilities, develop the African economy, diversify energy sources and work together to reduce the adverse effects of climate change. We seek to coordinate efforts in the context of the common interest to achieve the UN 2030 sustainable development goals and the goals of Africa 2063 Agenda, thereby enhancing the maintenance of international peace and security.

It is time to take more effective steps to involve the African private sector with us in the implementation of the development plans and programs of the Union in various fields, especially as the African continent is promising and full of opportunities, and the African investors are looking forward to contributing to building the future of their continent.

Brothers and Sisters,

At the end of our summit, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the African leaders for their keenness to participate in our summit and to help me conduct its work and enrich our discussions. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to the accompanying delegations for their efforts during the preparatory meetings for the Summit.

I would like to reiterate my sincere condolences and appreciation to the brotherly and friendly people of Ethiopia for their hospitality and warm reception.

Last but not least, I would like to express my appreciation to all the staff of the African Union Commission starting with the youngest staff together with all the Ladies and Gentlemen, the commissioners ending with the Chairperson of the Commission for their tireless and continuous efforts, particularly in preparation for the annual Summit. I am looking forward to cooperating with them along the coming period to boost the Joint African action and achieve the plans and programs of the summits aimed at realizing the hopes and aspirations of the peoples towards the African continent we dream of, a prosperous and stable Africa.
Thank you and May Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be Upon You.”

(The President’s Meeting Following the 32nd AU Summit)

El-Sisi Meets AU Commission Chairperson at the AU Headquarters

In Addis Ababa, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met on Tuesday at the AU headquarters with the African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki, the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, Kwesi Quartey, and other AU commissioners.

President el-Sisi welcomed the chairperson and the commissioners and valued their role in running the institution, especially preparing for the summit meetings. He expressed that Egypt looks forward to strengthening teamwork spirit through close coordination and cooperation with the African Union Commission chairperson and his team to realise the goals sought by Egypt’s chairmanship of the Union in 2019, in tandem with Africa’s development “Agenda 2063”, to serve the continent’s interests and fulfill its peoples' aspirations, in addition to reinforcing the role of the AU in the international arena.

President el-Sisi confirmed Egypt’s keenness, in its capacity as the AU chair, to exert all efforts to continue making progress on various items on the Union’s agenda, particularly focusing on the sectors of economic and regional integration, peace and stability, AU institutional reform, in addition to following up on the implementation of the AU summit resolutions in different areas and cooperation with international partners.

Mr. Faki affirmed Egypt’s importance and leverage in Africa, being one of the founding countries of the Organization of African Unity that provided the first pillar for joint African action. He expressed his optimism about Egypt’s chairmanship of the AU to bolster efforts to carry out Africa’s Agenda 2063, in light of President el-Sisi’s experience and vision in addressing the continent’s issues. He underlined the commission’s support for the President in leading joint African action at this critical juncture and in addressing the multitude of challenges that affect the future of the continent.

Mr. Faki lauded Egypt’s significant imprint in supporting economic integration plans in Africa, developing the infrastructure and enhancing intra-African trade as well as Egypt’s keenness to achieve a positive leap in this field, particularly by hosting important events such as the Africa Investment Forum, during which he took part as a speaker.

The meeting touched on the main events on the AU agenda during Egypt’s term, mainly the Niger midyear coordination session, in addition to the strategic partnership meetings with Japan and the Arab group. The main priorities this year for each department within the AU were presented, including the issues of health, trade, industry, infrastructure, energy, sciences, technology and the AU’s financial and administrative reform. It was agreed to continue consultation in the coming period to ensure a smooth decision making process during Egypt’s chairmanship and benefiting from the coordinating role of the commission in this regard.

President el-Sisi affirmed that Egypt, during its chairmanship of the AU, will build on the efforts of the former chairs to fulfill the aspirations of the African peoples for a strong and unified continent by promoting projects and programs that enable the African citizen. The President added that Egypt is determined to provide all support to ensure the success of this mission by the collaboration of all involved parties in the AU.

El-Sisi Meets President of the African Export-Import Bank at the AU Headquarters

President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met in Addis Ababa on Tuesday with President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dr. Benedict Oramah.
President el-Sisi underscored Egypt's appreciation for the ongoing cooperation with Afreximbank and lauded its role in financing and enhancing intra-African as well as extra-African trade.
President el-Sisi confirmed that Egypt seeks to explore more areas of cooperation with Afreximbank, in light of the comprehensive and sustainable development process currently underway in Egypt, notably in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), financing Egypt's strategic imports, and enhancing Egyptian exports to Africa. This is in addition to encouraging the bank's involvement in financing national projects currently being implemented in Egypt, primarily the new administrative capital and the economic zone of the Suez Canal.
President el-Sisi expressed Egypt's appreciation for the bank's efforts in organizing the first edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), which was held in Cairo last December, in collaboration with the government of Egypt and the AU Commission. The President added that the fair's outcome and conclusions are considered to be an added value on the path toward supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is the key driving force to deepening the economic integration process in Africa. President el-Sisi asserted that Egypt will work vigorously to give impetus to this process during its chairmanship of the AU in 2019, with the aim to bring the agreement into force before the end of the Egyptian chairmanship.
The President of the African Export-Import Bank valued the bank's firm cooperation relations with Egypt and its various financial institutions. He lauded Egypt's success in the implementation of its ambitious program for economic reform, which has contributed to a gradual recovery of the Egyptian economy, to an increase in growth rates and to enhancing foreign direct investment. He noted that this is considered to be a model to be emulated by other African countries to benefit from Egypt's experience and expertise in this regard.
Mr. Oramah showcased Afreximbank's plans for the projects and plans that are expected to be implemented in the coming stage. He emphasized the bank's commitment to expanding its activities in Egypt and to working with the government of Egypt to support trade between Egypt and African countries.

El-Sisi Meets President of the African Development Bank

In Addis Ababa, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met on Tuesday with President of the African Development Bank, (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina.
President el-Sisi welcomed the growing cooperation relations between Egypt and the African Development Bank, and expressed appreciation for the bank's role in supporting developmental sectors in the African continent.
President el-Sisi looked forward to further advancing and to strengthening cooperation with the AfDB in the coming period across various developmental areas, given the efforts exerted to improve the business and investment climate in Egypt and the capacity of the Egyptian economy, its steady growth, and its advantages. This is in addition to the promising opportunities offered in various areas, including new and renewable energy, infrastructure and transport, as well as in youth and women projects and technical cooperation projects targeting sectors like education and health, which seek to invest in human capital.
President el-Sisi underscored Egypt's interest, during its AU chairmanship in 2019, to enhance cooperation with the AfDB so as to push forward initiatives for regional amalgamation, the economic integration process and projects aimed at connecting African countries. This comes as part of efforts toward fostering closer economic and developmental cooperation in the continent and increasing intra-African trade.
Mr. Adesina lauded the ongoing improvement in the performance of the Egyptian economy over the past period, while continuing to implement the economic reform program, which reflected positively on numerous economic indicators. The President of the AfDB valued in particular the state's strategy to establish mega national projects, which accommodate huge numbers of young laborers. He also commended the state's medium and long term plans in the field of infrastructure, which is vital to spurring economic and trade activities.
The President of the AfDB underlined the bank's interest in the current period to encourage the continental economic integration and to finance cross-border projects, within the framework of supporting regional integration initiatives among African countries in areas to achieve sustainable development. He also reviewed the possibility of leveraging Egyptian technical capacities in various African countries. This offers an important opportunity to enhance regional cooperation and integration across the continent through the bank, notably in light of the Egyptian AU chairmanship's interest to promote this orientation.