International Conference for Sudan and Summit on the Financing of African Economies

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi heads to the French Capital, Paris, on Sunday (16/5/2021) to participate in the Paris Conference to support the transition in Sudan and the Summit on Financing African Economies. The two events will be held on May 17 and 18, respectively.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the President’s participation came in response to the French President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation. This reflects the close and growing bilateral relations between Egypt and France as well as Egypt’s pivotal role in supporting the transitional phase in Sudan on the regional and international levels. This is in addition to Egypt’s leverage in the African continent that contributes to strengthening international initiatives aimed at supporting African countries.

During the Paris Conference to support Sudan's transition, the President intends to highlight that it is important for the international community to join hands to support Sudan during this historical phase, the Spokesman said. His Excellency will further present, in this regard, the ongoing Egyptian efforts at various economic, political, and security levels.

President El-Sisi will, during the Summit on Financing African Economies, point out various issues of concern to the African countries regarding the importance of strengthening international efforts to facilitate their integration into the global economy. Hence, economic growth will be realizable amid the repercussions of the Covid-19 crisis, the transfer of technology to African countries will be facilitated, and foreign investment enhanced in these countries.

The Spokesman said the President’s France visit agenda will include discussions with French President Macron on areas of bilateral relations witnessing a qualitative leap in recent years. Mutual consultation and coordination will also continue on a number of regional and international files of common interest, the Spokesman added.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is scheduled to hold a number of meetings with French officials and heads of some international French companies to discuss ways to boost cooperation in the economic, trade, and investment fields between the two sides.

Furthermore, the President will meet with a number of heads of state and government to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and promote consultations on various regional and international issues.

(First Day’s Events)
Sunday (16/05/2021)

- President El-Sisi Arrives at Paris Orly Airport

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived at Orly airport (ORY) in the French capital, Paris.
- President El-Sisi Receives Dassault Aviation CEO at His Paris Residence

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received today, at his residence in Paris, Mr. Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, a French aerospace company that manufactures Rafale fighter jets.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the President affirmed Egypt’s pride in the extended and fruitful cooperation with Dassault Aviation. This reflects the depth of defense cooperation between the two friendly countries, Egypt and France, most especially demonstrated in the military parts produced by the French company, which add to the capabilities of the Egyptian Armed Forces.

For his part, Mr. Trappier expressed his honor to meet the President and stressed the keenness of Dassault to enhance existing cooperation with Egypt as it is one of the company’s most important global partners. Additionally, Mr. Trappier was interested in the development of cooperation in light of the significance of Egypt's role in strengthening stability and security in the Middle East, the Eastern Mediterranean and the African continent as well as Egypt’s prominent role in the international efforts to combat terrorism.

- President El-Sisi Meets with President of the Transitional Sovereign Council at His Paris Residence

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met this evening in the French capital, Paris, with President of the Transitional Sovereign Council (TSC) General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the President praised the strong and long-standing brotherly relations between Egypt and Sudan and the advanced level they reached at various levels during the recent period. The President expressed Egypt's aspiration to deepen and strengthen already-robust relations in a way that contributes to achieving the interests of the two brotherly countries and peoples, especially at the security, military, economic and trade levels.

In this context, the President affirmed Egypt's keenness to participate in the International Conference to Support the Sudanese Transition in a way that helps achieve political, security and economic stability in Sudan. This is encouraged by Egypt's full support for Sudan in all fields and the close link between the Egyptian and Sudanese national security as well as the historical ties uniting the people of the Nile Valley.

The President also indicated that Egypt is committed to making every effort to support the steps taken by the Sudanese government to achieve economic stability, discharge Sudan of its accumulated debts and reduce its financing burdens.

Egypt will participate in the international initiative for Sudan’s debt relief by the use of Egypt's share in the International Monetary Fund to pay off doubtful debts. His Excellency praised, in this context, the courageous steps that Sudan is taking in the direction of the economic structural reform. This reflects a real political will to make the transitional phase successful. The President affirmed Egypt's readiness to transfer the Egyptian experience in economic reform and train Sudanese cadres.

For his part, the President of the TSC expressed Sudan's deep appreciation for Egypt's efforts under the leadership of President El-Sisi to support Sudan during this transitional phase, which was embodied in the President's keenness to personally participate in the current Paris Conference to support Sudan’s transition, which consolidates the strong, extended ties binding the two countries.

President of the TSC Al-Burhan praised, in this respect, the mutual efforts to improve joint cooperation between the two countries and enhance the unlimited Egyptian support through various forums to preserve the safety and stability of Sudan.

Gen Al-Burhan affirmed that there are prospects for developing joint cooperation between the two friendly countries and Sudan’s keenness to provide a supportive environment in various strategic development areas. The Sudanese government also relies on Egypt’s support for Sudan’s efforts to bring down and reschedule foreign debts.

Moreover, cooperation between the two countries will facilitate the transfer of Egypt’s inspiring experience in economic reform, training Sudanese cadres, and providing assistance in overcoming challenges, hence reflecting the depth of relations between the two countries, President of the TSC asserted.

The Egyptian and Sudanese bilateral cooperation was discussed during the meeting in which the two parties affirmed their satisfaction of the level of coordination between the two counties, especially with the intensive exchange of political visits during the recent period.

The two sides agreed on the importance of strengthening economic relations and boosting bilateral trade to a level that matches the existing momentum in bilateral relations. This was especially demonstrated in the intensified joint military cooperation showcased in the joint drills, dubbed “The Nile Eagles 2”, held at the Merowe air base, thus reflecting the two brotherly countries’ firm belief that their national security is inseparable.

During the meeting, the latest developments of the regional issues of mutual interest were presented, including the situation at the Sudanese-Ethiopian borders and the developments related to a number of crises in some regional countries. In this context, an agreement was reached on continuing intense consultation and mutual coordination for the common interest of the two brotherly countries and peoples.

Visions were exchanged on the latest developments of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). It was confirmed that the water issue, a matter of national security, is of paramount importance for the Egyptian and Sudanese people. Therefore, the two countries adhered to reaching a fair and binding legal agreement for the process of the filling and operation of the dam in a way that achieves the common interests of all parties.

(Second Day’s Events)
Monday (17/05/2021)

- President El-Sisi Meets with French President at Élysée Palace in Paris
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met today with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in the French capital, Paris.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the French President welcomed the visit of His Excellency to Paris again. President Macron stressed France’s appreciation to Egypt at the official and popular levels as well as its pride in the historical ties between the two friendly countries.

The French President further affirmed France’s keenness to strengthen joint bilateral relations in various fields and support Egypt’s capabilities and efforts under the leadership of the President to combat terrorism and extremist ideology and to achieve security and stability in the entire region.

For his part, the President affirmed Egypt’s keenness to consolidate and deepen the extended strategic partnership with France, a key pillar to maintain security and stability in the Middle East region.

His Excellency expressed his aspiration to maximize coordination and consultation with France in the coming period on various regional issues and areas of bilateral cooperation, particularly in security and military fields amid the major regional challenges facing the region hit by turmoil and conflicts.

The Spokesman stated that the meeting discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the two friendly countries at various levels, particularly economic and commercial, by increasing the volume of French investments in Egypt.

Furthermore, these relations are promoted as France is considered one of Egypt’s most important partners in the European continent and as the Egyptian market provides a huge opportunity for countries to enjoy presence in the market and benefit from the modern infrastructure and improved business performance climate.

In this regard, the French President praised Egypt’s successful comprehensive development process and its major national projects underway. He stressed France’s keenness to support Egypt’s development efforts in all fields through the exchange of experiences and joint investment.

During the meeting, a number of regional issues were discussed, especially the developments in the East Mediterranean, Libya, and Syria. In this regard, President El-Sisi stressed that the only way to settle crises is through political solutions, which would preserve the unity of their territories and the integrity of their national institutions. Hence, a security base will be established for combating terrorist organizations and besieging their members to prevent their movement to other countries in the region.

For his part, President Macron expressed France’s aspiration to intensify joint coordination with Egypt on the Middle East issues given Egypt’s leverage in its region. In this context, he praised the Egyptian supportive efforts in reaching political solutions to the existing crises.

The two presidents also discussed the developments on the Palestinian cause and ways to revive the peace process in light of recent developments. The French President expressed his country’s appreciation for the Egyptian efforts, adding that he aspires to continue consultations with Egypt.

President El-Sisi asserted Egypt’s firm position for stopping acts of violence as soon as possible and reaching a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people as well as establishing their independent state in accordance with international references.
The Spokesman added that the meeting also addressed the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The President affirmed Egypt's adherence to its water rights by reaching a fair and binding legal agreement that guarantees clear rules for the process of the filling and operation of the dam and achieves the common interests of all parties. His Excellency further stressed that Egypt will not accept any harmful to be inflicted on its water interests.

- Speech by President El-Sisi during International Conference for Sudan

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s speech during the International Conference for Sudan held in Paris reads as follows:

Your Excellency, President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron,
President of the Transitional Sovereign Council (TSC) of Sudan, General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan,
Prime Minister of the Republic of Sudan, Dr. Abdalla Hamdok,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Emmanuel Macron for his initiative in cooperating with the brotherly Sudan to convene this important conference to mobilize international support for the brotherly Republic of Sudan in this pivotal stage in its modern history.

The conference aims to consolidate the gains of the December revolution marking the beginning of a new era full of hope for the brotherly Sudanese people for a better tomorrow.

Egypt’s participation in this important conference comes from our firm belief that the security and stability of Sudan is an integral part of the security and stability of Egypt and the region at large.

It also reflects Egypt’s commitment and firm political will to spare no effort in supporting the sustainability of peace, development, and stability in Sudan and preserving its territorial integrity.

This comes in parallel with the rapid leaps taken in the bilateral relations with a view to achieving an effective integration between the two countries in a number of vital areas.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
While discussing ways to support the transition in Sudan today, allow me to make the following points:

First:
The Sudanese parties need to lead and exert all efforts to bring peace and stability to their lands in accordance with a comprehensive national consensus based on the national priorities of the Sudanese people. In this context, we praise the transitional government’s tangible accomplishments. The most notable among them is the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) reached last October, which requires the support of the international community to fully implement its obligations.

Second:
The challenges that many countries have faced in our region during the past period have proven that building the state and its various institutions on strong foundations, especially having a unified national army, is the main pillar for ensuring peace and stability in the country.
Hence, we call for the support of Sudan’s efforts in the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) program.

Third:
Upholding the principle of citizenship based on a national consensus that includes all the people of Sudan is one of the basic guarantees to preserve the unity of the Sudanese people and to confront attempts to divide the Sudanese people.

Fourth:
I would like to commend the comprehensive economic vision presented by the transitional government and its endeavor to benefit from the Egyptian experience in economic reform. In this regard, since Egypt is committed to making every effort to support the steps taken by the Sudanese government to achieve economic stability, discharge Sudan of its accumulated debts, and reduce its financing burdens, I announce that Egypt will participate in the debt relief initiative to help Sudan secure relief through the use of Egypt’s share in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to pay off doubtful debts.

Fifth:
The consolidation of peace and stability in Sudan necessarily requires a suitable political and security regional environment so that Sudan would maintain its stability according to the rules of international law and the relevant international agreements, including the 1902 agreement. In this regard, I stress the importance of supporting Sudan’s right to fully extend its sovereignty over its lands.

Finally, there is no doubt that the Nile River represents a pillar for a more comprehensive cooperation between the countries of the Nile Basin if the political will of everyone exists. Hence, the desired development will be achieved without harming any party, including the Sudanese people, and hence stability will be enhanced in the region.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
In the end, I would like to reassert Egypt's firm commitment to continue supporting its brotherly Sudan to achieve the stability and development that the Sudanese people deserve.
I call upon all Sudan's partners to continue to support the Sudanese efforts within the framework of their national priorities.
Thank You.
(Third Day’s Events)
Tuesday (18/05/2021)
- At His Paris Residence, President El-Sisi Meets with Portuguese Prime Minister

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met, at his residence in Paris, today with the Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the President expressed Egypt’s aspiration to continue advancing Egypt-Portugal relations and to promote joint cooperation at all levels.

The President also commended the current Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) and its efforts in support of the African issues. His Excellency expressed his appreciation of the close coordination between the two friendly countries on the regional and international issues of mutual interest.
In this context, the President further stressed the importance of continuing and strengthening the mechanisms of regular and periodic consultation between the two countries.

For his part, the Portuguese Prime Minister expressed his country’s appreciation for the close friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He further affirmed Portugal’s keenness to strengthen these relations in various fields and to support the Egyptian efforts aiming to achieve comprehensive economic development. According to the Portuguese PM, Egypt has become an example and inspiring model for stability and development for the countries in the Middle East and Africa to follow.

Furthermore, PM António Costa expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to prevent illegal immigration across its coasts and for its hosting of millions of refugees on its territory.

The refugees are granted full rights in Egypt that does not request any support from the international community, which is highly appreciated in Europe.
During the meeting, ways to strengthen bilateral relations in a number of fields, particularly the tourism and trade sectors, were discussed. The President and the Portuguese Prime Minister had a series of consultations on regional developments in light of the great challenges facing the Middle East. Hence, the two sides agreed to continue coordination between the two countries.

- President El-Sisi Pledges $500 Million for Gaza Reconstruction

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced that Egypt would provide $500 million of support for the reconstruction of Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the recent events, as an Egyptian initiative.

- President El-Sisi Participates in Tripartite Summit on Palestine; Held in Elysee Palace

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated today afternoon in the French capital, Paris, in the tripartite summit held at the Elysee Palace on the developments of the situation in the Palestinian territory. Also present at the summit was French President Emmanuel Macron and King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan who participated via video conference.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the President stressed the importance and timing of this summit, which aims to crystallize joint international action by the three countries to stop the violence and contain the dangerous escalations in the Palestinian territories.

The latest events have exacerbated the humanitarian and living conditions inside the Gaza Strip; the summit seeks to overcome the negative repercussions on the regional peace and security, the President expounded. His Excellency commended President Macron’s initiative to hold this summit for engaging in regular consultation and coordination between Egypt, Jordan, and France on the regional issues, particularly the situation in the Palestinian territories.

The President affirmed that there is no way to end this vicious cycle of chronic violence and avoiding the flare-up of the situation in the Palestinian territories except by finding a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause. This solution shall lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy, where the Palestinian people live and enjoy their full legitimate rights that all the peoples of the world are entitled to.

In this context, the President stressed the seriousness of the repercussions of the attempts to change the demographic situation in the city of Jerusalem, affirming that these attempts require an immediate cessation.

President El-Sisi asserted that Egypt would continue to do its utmost to stop the current escalation through intensifying contacts with all concerned international parties as well as the Palestinian and Israeli parties.

In addition, Egypt will support all international efforts aiming to end the current state of tension, restore stability, and limit bloodshed as well as human and material losses.

His Excellency called for intensifying the efforts of the entire international community to urge Israel to stop the current escalation with the Palestinian factions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip in order to allow for the restoration of calm.

In this context, International efforts should start to provide various forms of support and aid to the Palestinians. For his part, the President announced that Egypt would provide $500 million, as an Egyptian initiative, for the reconstruction of Gaza Strip in the aftermath of the recent events. The specialized Egyptian companies will also take part in the implementation of the reconstruction process, the President added.

The leaders agreed to focus their efforts and joint political endeavors by maintaining contact and making consultations with international partners in order to reach a cessation of violence and military escalation in the Palestinian territories.

- President El-Sisi Receives IMF Managing Director

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met today with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, in Paris.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian presidency stated that the meeting discussed the fruitful cooperation between Egypt and the IMF over the past years. The President expressed his appreciation for this constructive partnership that led to the success of the implementation of the comprehensive economic reform program Egypt is pursuing. The President expressed his keenness to continue cooperation with the IMF since this partnership has provided a positive environment for all investors and global financial markets in the Egyptian economy.

In this context, Egyptian citizens have a major role in the success of the state’s efforts to implement reform, the President affirmed. With their awareness and understanding of the inevitability of implementing reform measures, the Egyptian citizens have contributed to the progress that was reflected in the positive indicators of the Egyptian economy, as evidenced in the official statement of the IMF.

Egypt’s credit rating was also improved by specialized international institutions, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which witnessed an economic recession at the global level. However, the Egyptian economy recorded a remarkable positive growth during that period.

For her part, Ms. Georgieva affirmed the IMF’s aspiration to continue the distinguished bilateral relations with Egypt as a success story and a role model. She also praised Egypt’s remarkable economic performance despite the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the economic and structural goals it has achieved within the economic reform program.

She further commended the Egyptian ability to withstand and absorb the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic as Egypt’s economy has recently been one of the fastest growing economies in the world. She further noted the ongoing improvement in the overall indicators of the Egyptian economy, the implementation of giant national investment projects, and the gradual return of growth in the tourism sector.

Ms. Georgieva affirmed the IMF’s keenness to continue highlighting Egypt’s success stories as well as its various reforms and economic and development achievements. This is in addition to its successful partnership with the IMF as a model to be emulated by other countries, similar to the current successful partnerships and relations between Egypt and other major international financial institutions.

This will, therefore, contribute to strengthening the regional and international outlook on the Fund and the positive publicity for its activities, thus expanding the Fund’s cooperation with other countries within and beyond the region.

- Speech by President El-Sisi during Session of Summit on the Financing of African Economies

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated today in the activities at the Summit on the Financing of African Economies, which was divided into two sessions, the first on external financing and debt and the second on private sector development, reforms and infrastructure.

During the summit, an agreement was reached on the importance of crystallizing a common vision to support the African continent amid the Covid-19 pandemic, including resources from the private sector and the initiatives to maximize the concessional financing for the continent through international development institutions and donors at the bilateral level. It was also agreed that the establishment of medical technologies related to the pandemic, such as vaccines and tests, should be accelerated and their equitable distribution be ensured in the continent.

The summit discussed economic reforms in support of the sustainable growth of the African countries, including financing small and medium enterprises, financing investment climate, encouraging tax administration and supporting entrepreneurship.

The President made an intervention during the session on external financing and debt. The intervention was as follows:

"Your Excellency, President Emmanuel Macron,
Your Highnesses, Heads of States and Governments,
Distinguished Guests,

At the outset, I would like to commend the initiative of His Excellency Emmanuel Macron for holding this summit, which represents an important opportunity for consultation on ways to drum up support for the economies of African countries, especially during the economic slowdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic that our world is going through today. The pandemic is affecting the efforts exerted by the African countries to achieve development and to complete the implementation of the Agenda 2030 goals as well as the AU Agenda 2063.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Before the pandemic struck, the African Continent has witnessed an unprecedented acceleration in economic growth rates, hence becoming a destination for cross-border investment.

Evidence indicates that the volume of support provided to the continent is much less than its actual need; the resulting impact is manifested in the poor access of the African countries to the Covid-19 vaccines. Hence, economic and social problems arising from the Covid-19 pandemic are exacerbated.
What the African continent has been able to achieve in terms of economic development is witnessing a tangible decline today amid the negative repercussions of the pandemic. As a result, the African countries’ foreign exchange inflows are remarkably reduced, hence causing a total pressure on the amount of liquidity available to Africa.

In addition, stimulus packages cannot be adopted to help the African counties overcome the current stumbling economy similar to Western countries, thus affecting the African countries’ ability to recover from the consequences of the current crisis. Accordingly, Egypt calls on the international community, on the basis of justice and solidarity, to provide the required support to the African countries in the face of the pandemic. The world will not be able to overcome the pandemic without ensuring that all countries gain access to the COVID-19 vaccines supply with a view to restarting economic life.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Though the challenges facing the African continent exceed the available level of support, we cannot fail to commend some of the international initiatives, including the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) and debt restructuring, launched with the aim of supporting the economies affected by the repercussions of the pandemic.

The President also praised the International Monetary Fund’s new SDR allocation. In this context, Egypt calls for supporting the African continent’s request to increase its share of these rights by redirecting part of the units that will not be used by some member states of the Fund in order to find financing mechanisms that would help middle and low-income countries in the African continent provide vaccines and restore growth rates.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Egypt has found itself forced to deal with the financial difficulties associated with the pandemic while working on making its ambitious economic reform program a success. This program requires controlling government spending and the budget deficit; the early implementation of this program, in cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has contributed to enhancing the resilience of the Egyptian economy.

Furthermore, the government was able to take effective measures, including the implementation of incentive monetary and financial policies, the reprioritization of investment plans, the focus on resilient sectors, and the ability to recover quickly.

However, Egypt continues to face the renewed challenges posed by the pandemic, like all the countries of the African continent. Therefore, international cooperation, which provides the necessary mechanisms and tools to support the countries of the continent in these delicate circumstances, is the best way to overcome this ordeal. with that, the countries will return to their path of economic development and achieve the well-being and prosperity of our African people.
Thank You."

(Fourth Day’s Events)
Wednesday (19/05/2021)

- President El Sisi Receives French Minister of Economy and Finance in his Paris Residence

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met today with the French Minister of Economy and Finance Mr. Bruno Le Maire in his Paris residence.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that President El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the French Ministry of Economy and Finance to strengthen economic and trade relations between the two countries. In this regard, the President spoke of the investment incentives and advantages related to developing business climate in Egypt.

His Excellency further showcased the huge investment opportunities for the French business sector in the Egyptian national projects, particularly the transport, energy, water, and health sectors. In this regard, the President stressed the importance of the localization of industry and transfer of technology in the joint projects.

For his part, the French Minister expressed his country’s keenness to strengthen joint cooperation with the aim of transferring the modern technology to Egypt in all fields.

The French finance minister further stressed the keenness to encourage the French companies to work and invest in Egypt, hence contributing to the advancement of the current comprehensive development underway in light of the positive economic developments Egypt has witnessed in the recent period.
These developments included creating an attractive foreign direct investment environment, facilitating government procedures and investment-related licenses, and encouraging the private sector to participate in many projects.

The Spokesman stated that the meeting discussed the prospects for maximizing the French investment in Egypt as well as the efforts to expand the existing French investment activities. In this regard, it was agreed to continue working and making coordination during the coming period between the French Ministry of Economy and Finance and the relevant Egyptian government agencies with a view to enhancing economic cooperation between the two friendly countries.

- President El-Sisi Meets with Senegalese President

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met today with the Senegalese President Macky Sall in the French Capital, Paris.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the President commended the close relations between Egypt and Senegal, which holds an important position in the West African region. His Excellency stressed Egypt’s readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Senegal in various fields, particularly trade exchange, investment, infrastructure development, technical support, and capacity building, following the successful bilateral visit of President El-Sisi to the Senegalese capital Dakar in April 2019.

For his part, the Senegalese President praised the continuous development in the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries. He further expressed his great appreciation to Egypt, its people, and its leadership, appreciating the pivotal role Egypt plays in achieving a comprehensive development and maintaining peace and security of the African continent through sharing its various experiences and harnessing its distinctive potentials.

During the meeting, the developments on a number of African continental issues were discussed, especially in light of Senegal’s upcoming chairmanship of the African Union in 2022. In this context, a consensus was reached on continuing consultation and joint coordination on the developments of these issues. They further agreed on supporting the African relations with various the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) around the world as well as the Arab world.

Views were exchanged on the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). In this context, President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s unwavering position of the need to reach a legally binding and comprehensive agreement on the filling and operation of the dam.

A consensus was reached on the continuation of bilateral coordination in the coming period to solve the GERD issue, hence avoiding its negative impact on the security and stability of the entire region.

- President El-Sisi in Egypt; Returns after His Official Visit to Paris

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi returns to Egypt after his participation in the International Conference to Support the Sudanese Transition and the Summit on the Financing of African Economies held in Paris.