G20 Osaka Summit

-El-Sisi Heads to Japan to Attend G20 Summit

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi traveled to Japan on Wednesday 26-6-2019 to attend the G20 Summit in Osaka.

El-Sisi’s participation in the G20 Summit comes at the invitation of the Japanese Prime Minister, whose country holds the current chairmanship of the Group in the light of Egypt's chairmanship of the African Union and the close and growing relations between Egypt and Japan as well as Egypt’s high position regionally and internationally.

During the summit, President El-Sisi will focus on various topics of interest for developing countries in general and Africa in particular, especially with regard to the importance of strengthening international efforts to facilitate the integration of developing countries into the global economy given the opportunities and benefits that contribute to achieving economic growth.

President El-Sisi will also emphasize the need to provide effective support for developing countries in their pursuit of achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2030, including facilitating the transfer of technology to them, the localization of industry and the promotion of foreign investment, as well as the fulfillment of developed countries to their pledges under the Paris Convention on Climate Change and empowerment of developing countries to depend on new and renewable sources of energy.

The Spokesman of the Egyptian Presidency said that President El-Sisi’s program of his visit to Japan includes holding summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe to discuss means of enhancing the developing bilateral relations in recent years in a way that achieves the common interests of the two countries and the two friendly peoples. This is in addition to holding consultations and political coordination on a number of regional and international issues of common concern.

In the same context, President El-Sisi will hold a meeting with a group of Japanese businessmen and heads of major Japanese companies working in Egypt to discuss means of boosting economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two sides.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, President El-Sisi will also meet heads of states and governments participating in the summit to discuss the promotion of bilateral cooperation frameworks and consultations on various regional and international issues.

First Day Events:

El-Sisi Arrives in Osaka to Attend G20 Summit

The Spokesman of the Egyptian Presidency stated that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived at Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, to participate in the G-20 Summit.

El-Sisi Holds Expanded Summit Talks with Japan's Prime Minister in Osaka

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held expanded summit talks with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzō Abe in Osaka in the presence of the two countries' delegations.

Prime Minister Abe welcomed President El-Sisi on his second visit to Japan, which shall contribute to strengthening the outstanding bilateral relations between Egypt and Japan, notably their growing cooperation. He confirmed that Japan accords special interest to its relations with Egypt, particularly their bilateral cooperation and political consultations, given Egypt's pivotal role in its regional milieu and the Middle East.

Japan's Prime Minister underscored his country's commitment to cooperating with Egypt to advance the comprehensive development process demonstrated in Egypt's Sustainable Development Strategy 2030. Prime Minister Abe reiterated Japan's determination to continue intensifying efforts to implement joint ventures in the various areas agreed upon, particularly education, culture, technology, energy and transport. This is in addition to the Grand Egyptian Museum which is considered an icon for cultural cooperation between Egypt and Japan, and it is expected to bolster the tourism sector in Egypt.

President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt values its firm and fruitful relations with Japan which owns one of the world's ancient civilizations. The President congratulated Japan's government and people on Emperor Naruhito's ascension to the Throne following his father Emperor Akihito.

At the level of bilateral relations, President El-Sisi confirmed Egypt's interest to build on the momentum generated by the regular meetings held between senior officials from the two countries to reach broader prospects of mutual coordination and cooperation in a several fields, notably developmental, economic, and investment. This is in addition to attracting more Japanese investments and capitalizing on the promising investment opportunities currently available in Egypt in various sectors. The President stressed that Japanese companies are enjoying a good reputation in Egypt, and they are one of the main sources of foreign direct investment and advanced technological expertise in a multitude of Egyptian economic sectors. Japan's Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation for the Egyptian government's efforts to support and facilitate the work of Japanese companies operating in Egypt.

The meeting also tackled current preparations to convene the seventh Tokyo International Conference of Africa's Development (TICAD 7), due next August in Yokohama, which will be held under the co-chairmanship of Japan and Egypt, in Egypt’s capacity as chair of the African Union. This shall bolster cooperation process between Egypt and Japan in Africa and contribute to achieving the developmental aspirations of the African continent. This makes the next TICAD 7 summit an opportunity to intensify the exchange of views between the two countries within this framework.

President El-Sisi extended an invitation to Japan's Prime Minister to visit Egypt at the earliest opportunity. The President also looked forward to Prime Minister Abe’s participation in the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum next year.

Second Day Events:

El-Sisi Participates in Mini-African Summit

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in a Mini-African Summit on the sidelines of the G20 Osaka Summit in Japan. The meeting was also attended by President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, and President of Senegal, Macky Sall.

The Spokesman of the Egyptian Presidency stated that the Mini-Summit came as part of the efforts toward uniting the voices of African countries during the international meetings they will attend with their strategic partners, primarily the G20 meetings. This necessitates coordination of positions of three countries participating in the G20 meetings this year; South Africa being a permanent member of the group, Senegal in its capacity as chair of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC), and Egypt as the current chair of the African Union. This coordination aims to achieve the common interest of the African continent, primarily through the three countries' adoption of Africa's collective positions during their interactions at the summit.

President El-Sisi emphasized the need to achieve balance and mutual interests between African countries and their international partners from a perspective aimed at providing the benefit for the peoples and countries of Africa and achieving their aspirations for development in different areas while stressing Africa's openness for cooperation with various world countries.

There was an agreement during the Mini-Summit on the need to underscore the developmental priorities of African countries before their partners during the G20 meetings, focusing on the goals included in the Agenda 2063 for Africa's Development, the projects included in the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) as well as projects currently being implemented by the Africa’s Development Agency (NEPAD), which is the institutional framework for the implementation of developmental projects in Africa.

The African leaders stressed the importance of providing the necessary resources for these projects that contribute to achieving economic and African regional integration. This shall take place by mobilizing the contributions of international and regional partners or institutions or through private sector institutions.

During his meeting with his African brothers, President El-Sisi was keen on reiterating that Africa took a major stride on the path of continental economic integration through making the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) entry into force. He confirmed that all African countries should continue to cooperate to achieve the effective operation and launch other relevant executive phases to liberate intra-Africa trade.

El-Sisi Meets Merkel

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that the President praised the remarkable growth and qualitative leap in bilateral relations between Egypt and Germany in all fields. He stressed Egypt's aspiration to maximize bilateral cooperation during the coming period and to enhance political coordination and exchange of views under the current Egypt’s chairmanship of the African Union and Germany's membership in the Security Council. This would provide a platform for exchanging views and coordinating the positions on multilateral issues, especially sustainable development and supporting peace and security in Africa.
For her part, Merkel expressed her appreciation for the close ties between Egypt and Germany, praising the unprecedented momentum witnessed significantly in the relations between the two countries, especially in the economic and trade relations. She stressed that Egypt is one of Germany's most important partners in the Middle East.
The Spokesman stated that the President reviewed the Egyptian efforts for development through the implementation of the comprehensive economic reform program. He said that he aspires that Germany would get more involved, through its various development institutions’ mechanisms, in the priorities of the Egyptian development plans in various fields. He added also that he aspires to have the volume of German investments in Egypt doubled and also their bilateral economic cooperation enhanced, especially in light of the reforms launched by the Egyptian government to improve the legislative environment related to the investment and business climate in Egypt as well as the promising opportunities available for national mega projects.
For her part, Chancellor Merkel stressed Germany's keenness to support the ambitious measures undertaken by Egypt in order to promote the economy and achieve comprehensive development. This would be done especially through increasing investments, transferring expertise and technology and localizing the German industry. She praised the positive results of the Egyptian government's reform plan so far that is reflected in the improvement of economic indicators.
They also discussed ways to strengthen the frameworks of tripartite cooperation between the two countries in Africa, especially under the current Egypt’s chairmanship of the African Union. They also reviewed the efforts made by Germany to develop its relations with African countries in general, especially in light of the G20 Africa Partnership which Germany proposed in 2017 and it has been hosting its annual meetings in Berlin ever since.
The Spokesman added that the meeting also discussed ways to coordinate efforts with Egypt as a leading partner of the European Union in combating terrorism and illegal immigration, as well as the latest developments in the Libyan file.

President El-Sisi Meets Italy's Prime Minister on the Sidelines of G20 Summit

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka.

The meeting tackled a number of bilateral topics, especially developments pertinent to ongoing investigations on the Regeni case. President El-Sisi reiterated that Egypt seeks to uncover the truth and confirmed full support to the unprecedented ongoing cooperation between the authorities concerned in Egypt and Italy to reveal the circumstances surrounding the case. The Italian prime minister hoped for justice to be served and perpetrators to be brought to justice.

President El-Sisi and Mr. Conte discussed regional developments, especially the situation in Libya. El-Sisi confirmed Egypt's unwavering position that is based on the importance of reaching a comprehensive political settlement in Libya, which preserves its unity and territorial integrity and helps restore the role of the nation state institutions so as to fight terrorism, curb terrorist groups and restore security and stability. Egypt therefore supports the national Libyan army's efforts to fight terrorism in Libya so as to pave the way for achieving the political milestones through which the free will of the Libyan people shall prevail.

The President applauded the outstanding historic relations between Egypt and Italy and their recent positive developments. He confirmed the importance that Egypt attaches to enhancing bilateral ties across all fields and strengthening coordination and cooperation between the two countries to overcome challenges in the Mediterranean region. This is in addition to promoting trilateral cooperation with Italy in Africa to include the field of development, in light of Egypt’s chairmanship of the African Union.

Mr. Conte expressed his appreciation for Egypt's pivotal role as a cornerstone for security and stability in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean and confirmed his country's keenness to enhance cooperation with Egypt across various fields, in light of the positive developments at the level of economic development and the implementation of mega projects that contribute to achieving economic and social progress.

El-Sisi Meets Some Leaders on the Sidelines of G20 Summit

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with a number of leaders and directors of international organizations on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

Third Day Events:

El-Sisi Meets Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka.

The Spokesman of the Egyptian Presidency stated that President El-Sisi confirmed the close relations as well as the common destiny and future that both countries share. The President also noted that Egypt is keen to closely coordinate with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on developments in the Middle East within the framework of the Egyptian-Saudi strategic relations, which are fundamental to the Egyptian policy given that coordination and cooperation between the two countries are key pillars to achieving regional stability.

The Saudi Crown Prince expressed the Kingdom's appreciation for the people and leadership of Egypt and confirmed the strong and deeply-rooted relations between the two countries.

The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments, showing a mutual understanding on how to address them. They agreed to continue exerting efforts to enhance cooperation among Arab countries to address the growing threats and challenges facing regional security. President El-Sisi affirmed that the Gulf security is integral to both Arab and Egypt's national security.

El-Sisi Meets President of Argentina in Osaka

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the President of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka.

The Spokesman of the Egyptian Presidency stated that President El-Sisi confirmed that Egypt’s appreciation for the distinguished relations between Egypt and Argentina, commending Argentina's development experience and economic progress. The President looked forward to developing bilateral relations across different fields and strengthening cooperation frameworks, particularly at the economic and trade levels, as well as making the best use of both countries' potentials.

The President of Argentina lauded the progress that Egypt has recently achieved in terms of economic reform and development and expressed his appreciation for the strong bonds that the two countries share. He agreed with President El-Sisi to advance cooperation, especially in the areas of economy and trade.

The two presidents welcomed the signing of the Egypt-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement to promote trade between Egypt and the Mercosur members. They also discussed the possibility of making the best use of Egypt's location as a gateway for the Argentinian goods to penetrate both Arab and African markets in light of the free trade agreements that Egypt shares with the Arab region and Africa.

The two presidents confirmed their keenness to continue coordination between their countries in international fora, especially on issues of mutual interest such as fighting terrorism, peacekeeping operations and Security Council reforms. This is in addition to enhancing South - South and G77 cooperation.

El-Sisi's Speech in G20 Summit

“Mr. Prime Minister of Japan,
Distinguished Heads of State and Government,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It’s my pleasure to join this summit at the gracious invitation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan in order to consolidate the tradition of the participation of the Chairman of the African Union in the G20 Summit. It is the mission in which Egypt seeks to promote cooperation and integration among the African countries in the first place, while working at the same time to develop relations with international partners in order to achieve the priorities and aspirations of the people of African countries in various fields.
Let me first commend the efforts of the Japanese presidency of the G-20. It has chosen new themes to be prioritized, regarding, in particular, global economy and means to benefit from trade, digital technology and emerging technologies, infrastructure, climate change and social issues such as women empowerment, public health and social justice.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We all know that our international community is facing multidimensional challenges, especially in the African context, such as achieving peace and security, eradicating poverty, combating diseases, confronting climate change, addressing illegal immigration and others. My participation in this summit embodies the importance of listening to our continent’s voice and provides an opportunity to review our vision and interaction with the G20, as follows:
First, we affirm the collective responsibility in combating terrorism and confronting extremist ideology, especially in countries that have been suffering from protracted conflicts. We also stress the intrinsic relationship between security and stability and achieving sustainable development, while maintaining the national state and its institutions.
Second, governance frameworks for the global economic and financial system still need to be reformed to reflect the fair and transparent participation of the developing countries in the decision-making process, particularly with regard to African countries. This needs to be done while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the rule-based multilateral trading system.
Third, we welcome cooperation within the framework of serious partnerships with the G20 to achieve development. Development would be achieved in accordance with the national plans and programs of our countries and Agenda 2063 which carries the vision of the continent to achieve its sustainable development and integrates with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, on which we all agree.
Fourth, our relation is based on common interest. The interdependence and interrelatedness, the main features of our world nowadays, made cooperation an urgent necessity that achieves benefits for its parties, while avoiding any political constraints that impose additional burdens or attempts of imposing models of economic and social development.
Fifth, Despite the many challenges, the African continent has much to offer; there are potentials, promising market and other attracting elements for the world.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
If the challenges I have already mentioned are on the ground, coexisting with them is not inevitable. As an international community, we can overcome them. There is no doubt that the G-20 has a major role to play in leading the international effort in this context by overcoming obstacles to funding, facilitating and harnessing the use of digital and emerging technologies for development, narrowing the digital divide as well as providing basic services including education, access to medicine and therapeutic technology at lower cost.
While I tell you about your commitments to the continent, similarly, I would like to address some of what African States are doing with their own national will, making them more able to absorb the frameworks of international partnership.
You may agree that making the African Continental Free Trade Agreement enter into force on May 30, 2019 will expand intra-regional trade opportunities, expand the market for investment on our continent, strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, provide employment opportunities for young people and increase our contribution to global value chains..
By the same token, plans for regional integration through the development of African infrastructure and the implementation of transboundary and energy projects, particularly renewable energy, are our top priorities and are consistent with our strategic choice to move towards continental integration.
On a parallel and complementary path, we are pursuing sound economic governance mechanisms through the adoption of good governance methods aiming at maximizing efficiency and effectiveness and providing the proper environment to attract investments. Combating corruption is an integral part of it. The private sector plays the main role in driving the economic growth. The efforts exerted to empower women and youth are an essential component of our development strategies.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, I reiterate that our African political will is taking steady and serious steps at the national and continental levels in an integrated manner to achieve sustainable development in all its dimensions. We also welcome cooperation with the continent's partners, in line with our plans, in order to achieve a better future for all of us. If we simply looked at our continent's population that reaches more than 17% of the world's population, which is expected to reach more than quarter of the world's population by 2050, we would realize that our partnership has not become an option, but a necessary and an irreplaceable approach.
Thank you."

El-Sisi Meets the Russian President

President El-Sisi lauded the progress in Egyptian-Russian bilateral relations, particularly following his visit to Russia in October 2018, which resulted in the signing of the Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation Agreement at the level of the leaderships in the two countries. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a mechanism of political consultation was also signed.

President Putin underscored the importance he places on continuing coordination and consultations with President El-Sisi on various regional and international issues of mutual interest. He also confirmed his appreciation for Egypt's key role as a cornerstone for security and stability in the Middle East. President El-Sisi and President Putin reviewed a multitude of regional and international issues, primarily Libya. President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of restoring the role of national state institutions in Libya and of supporting the Libyan national army in its fight against terrorist armed organizations and in its efforts to reinforce security, restore stability and undermine foreign interference. This shall pave the way for holding elections and accomplishing the political milestones to enforce the will of the Libyan people who have the inherent right to determine the future of their country.

The two Presidents tackled a range of issues pertinent to bilateral relations, including joint efforts to resume flights between Russian cities and Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada airports. They also discussed the Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant Project, the Russian industrial zone in the Suez Canal corridor as well as joint cooperation in the areas of security and the fight against terrorism.

The meeting also touched on trilateral cooperation between Egypt and Russia in Africa, in light of Egypt's current chairmanship of the African Union. President El-Sisi and President Putin discussed ongoing preparations to organize the African-Russian Summit next October. There was an alignment in views on the need to work on developing actual and practical results for the summit primarily for the benefit of the African peoples and to formulate a framework for the partnership and sustainable cooperation between Russia and African countries.

El-Sisi Meets UN Secretary-General

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Osaka on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka.

The Spokesman of the Egyptian Presidency mentioned that President El-Sisi welcomed meeting with UN Secretary-General, confirmed Egypt's support to UN efforts aimed at maintaining international peace and security and advancing sustainable development efforts.

From his side, Mr. Guterres expressed his appreciation for the longstanding cooperation between Egypt and the UN, particularly via Egypt's active participation in various UN activities. He confirmed Egypt's pivotal role in Africa and the Middle East and the keenness of the UN to enhance cooperation with Egypt in order to enhance development in its turbulent surrounding area and to reinforce peace and security.

Mr. Guterres added that the UN relies on Egypt's vital role to strengthen the strategic partnership with the AU in light of Egypt's current chairmanship of the African Union. President El-Sisi looked forward to advancing cooperation between the two organizations as Egypt leads joint African action, particularly to implement Agenda 2030 and Agenda 2063, address peace and security challenges that Africa is facing and enhance peace building efforts.

The meeting touched on the latest regional developments, particularly the situation in Libya. President El-Sisi confirmed the unwavering position of Egypt's foreign policy in this regard, which is based on the importance of preserving the unity and territorial integrity of Libya, protecting the people's resources and backing national institutions so as to undertake their role in maintaining security and fighting terrorism. Both sides agreed to continue coordination and consultation between Egypt and the UN on this issue.

El-Sisi Meets Representatives from the Japanese Business Community and Heads of Major Companies

Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with a delegation that included representatives from the Japanese business community and heads of major companies with the participation of a number of senior Japanese officials and representatives of the different government agencies concerned.

The Spokesman of the Egyptian Presidency stated that President El-Sisi welcomed this meeting that reflects the distinguished economic and trade cooperation with the confirmed that Egypt is keen to develop economic cooperation and trade with the Japanese business community in the coming period and to increase joint investments to support Egypt's economic development within the framework of a joint action for achieving mutual interests of both countries and making the best use of the available opportunities.

President El-Sisi lauded the positive developments in trade and economic ties between the two countries in the past few years in light of the exchanged visits by senior officials. The President also highlighted the diverse investment opportunities that mega projects offer in Egypt, mainly the Suez Canal Area Development Project, which encompasses a number of industrial and logistics zones. These all offer promising opportunities to Japanese companies that wish to benefit from Egypt's strategic location as a hub for production and re-export of products to the world countries with which Egypt has free trade agreements, particularly in the Arab region and Africa.

President El-Sisi confirmed that the significant strides Egypt has taken in various development sectors demonstrate the state's strong determination to achieve sustainable development as well as the Egyptian people's belief that they have plenty to offer to their international partners. For Japan, this means maximizing investment and opening new markets. The President noted that the strategic relations between the two countries is the real umbrella to support efforts to enhance economic cooperation through the availability of the political will necessary for that.

The Japanese businessmen expressed their happiness to meet with President to build on the existing friendship and cooperation. They looked forward to discussing the possibility of maximizing cooperation between the two countries with the availability of many promising investment opportunities in Egypt in the areas of tourism, information technology, construction and the manufacture of means of transportation and electrical devices. This is in addition to benefiting from Japan's experience and technology in this regard to establish joint projects to localize the industry in Egypt.

The Japanese delegation commended the President's personal interest in following up and facilitating procedures for the work of Japanese companies in Egypt. This is in addition to the significant improvement in the Egyptian economy backed by the government's development efforts and the implementation of mega national projects that present Egypt as an international partner for development at the international level.

The Japanese businessmen reviewed their plans for investment or expanding current business in many fields. They also stressed the importance of Egypt-Japan Business Council in continuing efforts to increase investment and trade and maintain contact between the private sector representatives in both countries to encourage the leading Japanese companies to invest and continue the economic mobility in Egypt. This is in addition to advancing bilateral economic relations to wider horizons commensurate with the aspirations of the two peoples.

El-Sisi Returns Home from Japan after Participating in the G20 Summit

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Cairo on Friday after a two-day official visit to the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan, at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose country holds the current chairmanship of the group.