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First Day Events:
El-Sisi's Speech in Aswan Forum Opening
"Your Majesties, Excellencies, African Heads of State and Government,
Ladies and gentlemen, heads of delegations,
Ladies and Gentelmen,
Today I am pleased to welcome you all, on the occasion of the inauguration of the first edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development. This forum, which starts today from the city of Aswan, is the southern bridge of Egypt to its continent and the gateway of the eternal Nile that gushes life from the heart of Africa to the arteries of the sons and daughters of Egypt as an eternal bond embodying brotherhood, affirming the unity of destiny and having the hopes of our African peoples mixed altogether.
There is no more appropriate time to meet together in the framework of this forum to discuss the challenges facing us in Africa, foremost of which is the stability of the state of peace and security and the achievement of sustainable development for which we aspire. This is in addition to protecting our African countries and societies from the spread of the scourge of terrorism and its related phenomena, perhaps the most dangerous of which are arms smuggling and proliferation, the increase of the organized crime, human trafficking and illegal migration. In the midst of these confrontations, we find it imperative that we also deal responsibly with the negative repercussions of climate change which exacerbated the problems of desertification and the scarcity of water and natural resources. All of this comes as our peoples see that peace, security, development and welfare are human rights and that they deserve to be granted these rights like the rest of the world’s people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Facing these challenges and problems requires us to join all efforts, based on the established African principle, "African solutions to African problems". Our awareness of this principle has been a strong motivation for African leaders in the past years to seek to formulate specific plans and strategies aimed at achieving the aspirations of the African people in various fields. Through continuous meetings and unremitting efforts, Africa succeeded in formulating the development agenda 2063, whose goals meet the needs of the people of the continent. The African Union also adopted Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative, which aims to eliminate all conflicts on the continent by 2020 by preparing clear operational frameworks that address the roots of conflicts and contribute to post-conflict reconstruction and development. There is no doubt that activating this initiative represents a cornerstone of achieving stability throughout the continent, especially by building the institutions of the national state and enabling them to carry out their tasks, preserve their capabilities and help their people move towards development and prosperity.
It is no secret to you that the political will of the leaders of African countries to solve the existing conflicts and protect the peoples and states from any future wars, disputes and dangers only confirms our countries' commitment to achieve the comprehensive renaissance that was formulated by the countries of the continent. In this light, Egypt believes that the best way to achieve peace and stability in the African continent, and in the world, is to address the root causes of problems that threaten peace and security and to prevent conflicts and crises from arising in the first place, especially through preventive diplomacy and mediation to settle the disputes that may arise between states.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In this context, It’s important to stress the necessity of joining all regional and international efforts to support the security and stability of the African continent, based on the principle of state sovereignty and the pivotal role of governments in formulating peace agreements and development plans in accordance with national priorities, in order to strengthen national ownership of these efforts. Achieving and sustaining peace in the long term will only be achieved by strengthening the ability of states and governments to extend their sovereignty over the entire territory and to upgrade their institutional capacities in various fields. The national state is the vessel that guarantees the security and stability necessary for the sustainability of development.
Our vision on Africa would not be complete for the reality that we build, and for the better future that we want, except by giving the position due to them, including women and youth. Talking about empowering women and integrating youth in various fields and levels should be translated into executive policies, with the aim of facing the difficulties for which we mobilize efforts in order to overcome them and in pursuit of the broad expectations that we aspire to.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are all aware of the close relationship between achieving development and stabilizing security and peace on our continent. If we have been able to overcome together some obstacles in order to bring peace and advance development, then the success of our continuous efforts requires more cooperation and intensification of work in a race against time to reach the goals that we seek. There is no doubt that today we are making an important step in that direction through our meeting in Aswan Forum, the unique African forum which represents a regional and continental platform for discussion, dialogue and exchange of experiences. We are confident that the forum’s work will support the continent’s endeavors to develop an inclusive and lasting Africa’s peace and security, in parallel with achieving integration between these endeavors, efforts to achieve sustainable development as well as peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy and mediation and efforts to deal with the roots of crises facing the continent.
We have chosen this forum to be African in all its details, whether in terms of the idea, the process of substantive and organizational preparation or the program of action and sessions. The Aswan Forum expresses the fact that the people of the continent own their destiny and embodies their leadership regarding the African affairs. This is the main guarantee that the forum will address the problems facing the continent and offer solutions to them, highlight existing opportunities and develop plans to seize them, which is not consistent with openness to cooperation with international partners on the basis of achieving mutual benefit and joint gains.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The most convincing evidence of the usefulness of the serious ideas and thoughtful insights is turning them into tangible reality. In this regard, we are in dire need today to revive and activate our African continent's framework policy for post-conflict reconstruction and development, and translate it into executive plans that fortify countries emerging from conflicts against the dangers of relapse and help build the capacity of their institutions to carry out their tasks and contribute to healing the wounds of their communities. From here, we are all looking forward to signing the agreement regarding Egypt hosting the African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development. We aim to serve as a coordinating, inclusive platform and a thoughtful mind that is working on preparing special programs for countries emerging from conflicts, taking into account the privacy of each country and protecting their right to ownership of the path of reconstruction and development.
In conclusion, I cannot help but renew my welcome to you in Aswan and express my confidence that your participation and dialogues throughout the Forum sessions will be constructive and fruitful, and will contribute to supporting efforts to achieve sustainable peace and development; the goal and right of all the countries of the African continent so that they can take the position they deserve among the countries of the world.
May peace be upon you.”
El-Sisi Takes Part in Group Photo for African Heads of State and Government
African Heads of State and Government and heads of delegations and international and regional organizations participating in the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development take a group commemorative photo.
El-Sisi Receives President of Chad on Sidelines of Aswan Forum
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received on Wednesday with the President of Chad, Idriss Déby, on the sidelines of the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for President Déby's participation in the Forum's first edition, within the framework of enhancing bilateral ties and promoting joint African action. The President applauded the strong relations between the two countries, in light of their great importance in the Sahel region and hence Egypt's national security.
The President noted Egypt's readiness to enhance cooperation with Chad in all fields to support its economic and social development endeavors, including strengthening the efforts of the government of Chad to revive its economy through Egyptian companies operating in African countries. This is in addition to receiving more Chadian cadres to participate in capacity building programs supervised by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development in various fields, according to Chad's needs, as well as implementing the President's initiative to treat one million Africans from Hepatitis C.
The Spokesman added that the President of Chad said that he is looking forward to developing relations with Egypt at all levels, particularly trade, technical support and joint security and military coordination. He also noted the role of Al-Azhar in strengthening cultural ties between the two countries by disseminating the tolerant teachings of Islam and confronting extremism, and applauded Egypt's role in contributing to realizing African countries' development and economic growth by organizing and hosting many distinguished continental economic fora that enhance opportunities to attract foreign investment to the continent.
The meeting also touched on regional developments as well as joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism. There was agreement to continue joint consultations and coordination on these issues, including the situation in the Sahel region, especially in light of Egypt's current chairmanship of the African Union.
El-Sisi Receives President of Niger
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met on Wednesday with the President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, on the sidelines of the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that the President welcomed President Issoufou's keenness to participate in the Forum's first edition. He confirmed the special historic relations between the two countries and Egypt's keenness to further enhance relations with Niger on different levels, given the strategic relations that bring the two countries together, as well as agreement of views concerning many regional and international issues.
The President of Niger applauded the close relations between the two countries, noting his country's keenness to develop cooperation with Egypt and expressed his appreciation for Egypt's support to Chad in many fields, especially capacity support. The President of Niger also applauded Egypt's active role in the African arena, in light of its current chairmanship of the African Union, and praised various Egyptian efforts in this regard, which would achieve the aspirations of the peoples of the continent for stability and development.
The meeting touched on ways to advance cooperation between the two countries. El-Sisi confirmed Egypt's interest in continuing cooperation with Niger in the field of capacity building, through training courses provided by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development. This is in addition to topics related to investment and enhancing intra-African trade, in light of President Issoufou's capacity as Champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The two presidents exchanged views on the situation in the Sahel region. El-Sisi conveyed his condolences to the President of Niger for the victims of the terrorist attack that targeted an army camp in the country. President Issoufou explained the increasing security challenges posed by the situation in the Sahel region due to the proliferation of terrorist groups and the increase in the number of their members, in addition to the external support they are receiving. This requires the international community to unite to confront this growing danger by supporting the capabilities of the Sahel countries and forming an international front to address the escalating situation. The two presidents agreed to continue joint consultation and coordination at the African level and within the framework of international fora and organizations, in addition to maximizing security cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism. The President praised Niger's efforts in the Sahel region.
El-Sisi Receives Senegalese President on Sidelines of Aswan Forum
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met on Wednesday with President of the Republic of Senegal Macky Sall, on the sidelines of the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that El-Sisi welcomed President Sall and lauded the firm relations between the two countries, particularly in light of Senegal’s significance in the East Africa region that directly affects Egypt’s national security. El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation across various areas, notably in trade, investment, upgrading the infrastructure, providing technical support and building capacities. This comes in light of El-Sisi’s successful visit to Dakar in April 2019.
The Spokesman added that Sall commended the ongoing progress in the two countries’ relations and expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt, its people and leadership. The President of Senegal confirmed his keenness on participating in the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, which establishes Egypt’s vital role in efforts aiming to achieve comprehensive development and preserve peace and security in the African continent by sharing its expertise and harnessing its outstanding capabilities.
The meeting tackled ways to foster closer cooperation in the area of combating terrorism and extremist ideology in the African continent at the level of security and information-sharing as well as at the intellectual level. El-Sisi stressed that Egypt looks forward to boosting cooperation in this regard with Senegal, which is a major center for disseminating enlightened and moderate Islamic thought in the East Africa region. This is in addition to enhancing the role of Al Azhar delegation in Senegal and offering scholarships in various fields for Senegalese students to study in Egypt, which President Sall welcomed. The Senegalese President lauded the role of Al Azhar in fighting extremist ideology across the world.
The talks also touched on the latest developments in a number of African issues, notably in light of Egypt’s current chairmanship of the African Union. There was an agreement on the need to continue consultations and coordination on developments in these dossiers, including the situation in the East Africa region.
El-Sisi Participates in “Dialogue with the Leaders” Session at Aswan Forum
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated on Wednesday in the session “Dialogue with the Leaders”, at the opening of the first edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, which was also attended by the Presidents of Chad, Nigeria, Senegal, Niger, the Comoro Islands as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
President El-Sisi reiterated the need to address the challenges facing the African continent through a comprehensive approach that seeks to realize sustainable development and aims to reinforce peace and security in Africa so as to contribute to realizing the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples in various fields. The President reviewed the Egyptian experience in this regard, underscoring the importance of enhancing collective action, particularly in countering the common threat of terrorism. This is in addition to strengthening efforts to establish the infrastructure to build continental and regional connectivity.
President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s readiness to support African countries by sharing its experience in maintaining peace and stability in parallel with achieving development. He asserted that Egypt’s current chairmanship of the AU did not spare any effort to achieve tangible results that reflect the aspirations of the AU’s Agenda 2063 for development in the sectors of economic integration and regional amalgamation; economic and social development; peace and security in Africa; the AU’s institutional and financial reform; extending bridges for cultural engagement; and collaborating with international partners. The President affirmed that Egypt will continue to engage with Africa’s issues even after the end of its current AU chairmanship so as to realize the interests of the African continent.
The declaration for the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development aims to establish an African forum to study the relation between peace and security and sustainable development and find African solutions for African problems by linking policies with practical practices. The forum shall offer a platform for active actors as well as national, regional and international partners to assess the current opportunities and challenges to peace, security and development in Africa.
Second Day Events:
El-Sisi Holds Official Banquet
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi hold an official banquet in honor of heads of state and government and heads of delegations participating in the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
El-Sisi Receives the President of the Comoros
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received today, in Aswan, President of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani,
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that the President welcomed his brother Assoumani in Egypt. His Excellency praised the historic relations between the two countries at the Arab and African levels and the distinguished bonds between the two brotherly peoples in light of the huge number of Comorian scholars in Egypt.
The Comorian President expressed his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s leadership, people and pioneering role in Africa. He stressed his country’s keenness to foster bilateral relations between both countries in various fields. He said that he was thankful for the warm welcome and generous hospitality he received in Aswan.
The Spokesman added that during the meeting they addressed means of enhancing bilateral relations. El-Sisi stressed that Egypt is looking forward to activate joint cooperation framework at all levels, work on increasing trade exchange rates between both countries and support as well as build the potentials of the Comorian people.
Moreover, they reviewed the efforts Egypt exerts within the framework of its chairmanship of the African Union. The Comorian President lauded in that regard the Egyptian efforts aiming to foster the joint African work, especially when it comes to activating the free trade area that would contribute to meeting the aspirations of the continent’s people towards achieving development and prosperity, improving investment climate and increasing intra-trade rates.
El-Sisi Receives President of Nigeria in Aswan
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the President welcome his brother President Muhammadu Buhari in Egypt. His Excellency stressed the deep historic relations that bring together Egypt and Nigeria, underscoring their relations at the political, economic, security and cultural levels.
The President pointed to the importance of further strengthening trade exchange and mutual investments between the two countries. He lauded the growing cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria in the field of potentials building through the various programs organized by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, in light of Egypt’s belief in the importance of investing in the human resources in the continent.
The President of Nigeria stressed his country’s appreciation for the distinguished historic relations between both countries, praising Egypt’s pivotal role in Africa in light of the efforts it exerts through its chairmanship of the African Union, in particular.
The President of Nigeria expressed his country’s keenness on developing bilateral relations in all fields, especially trade and economic cooperation in a form appropriate to the depth of the political relations between the two countries. In this regard, he praised the Egyptian companies’ activities in Nigeria and stressed the aspiration of increasing the Egyptian investments there.
The Spokesman added that they addressed means to foster bilateral relations, especially in light of the economic boom witnessed by both countries. They also agreed on the importance of strengthening political consultation, further coordinating over means to consolidate security and stability in Africa and exchanging experience in the fields of security and countering terrorism in light of the common challenges facing both countries.
They also discussed means to maximize joint African action and the recent updates in the Sudan, Libya, the Sahel and West Africa. The President stressed Egypt’s keenness during its AU chairmanship on achieving Africa’s strategic goals represented in the fields of peace and security, establishing stability, putting an end to conflicts, social and economic development, economic and regional integration, activating the Continental Free Trade Agreement and fiscal and institutional reform of the AU.
The Nigerian President congratulated Egypt in that regard on its excellent organization and success in hosting Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development which consolidates Egypt’s active role at the level of promoting joint African work frameworks and achieving development and stability goals in the continent.
El-Sisi Attends Closing Session of Aswan Forum
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attends the closing session of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
First Day Events:
El-Sisi's Speech in Aswan Forum Opening
"Your Majesties, Excellencies, African Heads of State and Government,
Ladies and gentlemen, heads of delegations,
Ladies and Gentelmen,
Today I am pleased to welcome you all, on the occasion of the inauguration of the first edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development. This forum, which starts today from the city of Aswan, is the southern bridge of Egypt to its continent and the gateway of the eternal Nile that gushes life from the heart of Africa to the arteries of the sons and daughters of Egypt as an eternal bond embodying brotherhood, affirming the unity of destiny and having the hopes of our African peoples mixed altogether.
There is no more appropriate time to meet together in the framework of this forum to discuss the challenges facing us in Africa, foremost of which is the stability of the state of peace and security and the achievement of sustainable development for which we aspire. This is in addition to protecting our African countries and societies from the spread of the scourge of terrorism and its related phenomena, perhaps the most dangerous of which are arms smuggling and proliferation, the increase of the organized crime, human trafficking and illegal migration. In the midst of these confrontations, we find it imperative that we also deal responsibly with the negative repercussions of climate change which exacerbated the problems of desertification and the scarcity of water and natural resources. All of this comes as our peoples see that peace, security, development and welfare are human rights and that they deserve to be granted these rights like the rest of the world’s people.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Facing these challenges and problems requires us to join all efforts, based on the established African principle, "African solutions to African problems". Our awareness of this principle has been a strong motivation for African leaders in the past years to seek to formulate specific plans and strategies aimed at achieving the aspirations of the African people in various fields. Through continuous meetings and unremitting efforts, Africa succeeded in formulating the development agenda 2063, whose goals meet the needs of the people of the continent. The African Union also adopted Silencing the Guns by 2020 initiative, which aims to eliminate all conflicts on the continent by 2020 by preparing clear operational frameworks that address the roots of conflicts and contribute to post-conflict reconstruction and development. There is no doubt that activating this initiative represents a cornerstone of achieving stability throughout the continent, especially by building the institutions of the national state and enabling them to carry out their tasks, preserve their capabilities and help their people move towards development and prosperity.
It is no secret to you that the political will of the leaders of African countries to solve the existing conflicts and protect the peoples and states from any future wars, disputes and dangers only confirms our countries' commitment to achieve the comprehensive renaissance that was formulated by the countries of the continent. In this light, Egypt believes that the best way to achieve peace and stability in the African continent, and in the world, is to address the root causes of problems that threaten peace and security and to prevent conflicts and crises from arising in the first place, especially through preventive diplomacy and mediation to settle the disputes that may arise between states.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In this context, It’s important to stress the necessity of joining all regional and international efforts to support the security and stability of the African continent, based on the principle of state sovereignty and the pivotal role of governments in formulating peace agreements and development plans in accordance with national priorities, in order to strengthen national ownership of these efforts. Achieving and sustaining peace in the long term will only be achieved by strengthening the ability of states and governments to extend their sovereignty over the entire territory and to upgrade their institutional capacities in various fields. The national state is the vessel that guarantees the security and stability necessary for the sustainability of development.
Our vision on Africa would not be complete for the reality that we build, and for the better future that we want, except by giving the position due to them, including women and youth. Talking about empowering women and integrating youth in various fields and levels should be translated into executive policies, with the aim of facing the difficulties for which we mobilize efforts in order to overcome them and in pursuit of the broad expectations that we aspire to.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are all aware of the close relationship between achieving development and stabilizing security and peace on our continent. If we have been able to overcome together some obstacles in order to bring peace and advance development, then the success of our continuous efforts requires more cooperation and intensification of work in a race against time to reach the goals that we seek. There is no doubt that today we are making an important step in that direction through our meeting in Aswan Forum, the unique African forum which represents a regional and continental platform for discussion, dialogue and exchange of experiences. We are confident that the forum’s work will support the continent’s endeavors to develop an inclusive and lasting Africa’s peace and security, in parallel with achieving integration between these endeavors, efforts to achieve sustainable development as well as peacebuilding, preventive diplomacy and mediation and efforts to deal with the roots of crises facing the continent.
We have chosen this forum to be African in all its details, whether in terms of the idea, the process of substantive and organizational preparation or the program of action and sessions. The Aswan Forum expresses the fact that the people of the continent own their destiny and embodies their leadership regarding the African affairs. This is the main guarantee that the forum will address the problems facing the continent and offer solutions to them, highlight existing opportunities and develop plans to seize them, which is not consistent with openness to cooperation with international partners on the basis of achieving mutual benefit and joint gains.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The most convincing evidence of the usefulness of the serious ideas and thoughtful insights is turning them into tangible reality. In this regard, we are in dire need today to revive and activate our African continent's framework policy for post-conflict reconstruction and development, and translate it into executive plans that fortify countries emerging from conflicts against the dangers of relapse and help build the capacity of their institutions to carry out their tasks and contribute to healing the wounds of their communities. From here, we are all looking forward to signing the agreement regarding Egypt hosting the African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development. We aim to serve as a coordinating, inclusive platform and a thoughtful mind that is working on preparing special programs for countries emerging from conflicts, taking into account the privacy of each country and protecting their right to ownership of the path of reconstruction and development.
In conclusion, I cannot help but renew my welcome to you in Aswan and express my confidence that your participation and dialogues throughout the Forum sessions will be constructive and fruitful, and will contribute to supporting efforts to achieve sustainable peace and development; the goal and right of all the countries of the African continent so that they can take the position they deserve among the countries of the world.
May peace be upon you.”
El-Sisi Takes Part in Group Photo for African Heads of State and Government
African Heads of State and Government and heads of delegations and international and regional organizations participating in the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development take a group commemorative photo.
El-Sisi Receives President of Chad on Sidelines of Aswan Forum
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received on Wednesday with the President of Chad, Idriss Déby, on the sidelines of the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for President Déby's participation in the Forum's first edition, within the framework of enhancing bilateral ties and promoting joint African action. The President applauded the strong relations between the two countries, in light of their great importance in the Sahel region and hence Egypt's national security.
The President noted Egypt's readiness to enhance cooperation with Chad in all fields to support its economic and social development endeavors, including strengthening the efforts of the government of Chad to revive its economy through Egyptian companies operating in African countries. This is in addition to receiving more Chadian cadres to participate in capacity building programs supervised by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development in various fields, according to Chad's needs, as well as implementing the President's initiative to treat one million Africans from Hepatitis C.
The Spokesman added that the President of Chad said that he is looking forward to developing relations with Egypt at all levels, particularly trade, technical support and joint security and military coordination. He also noted the role of Al-Azhar in strengthening cultural ties between the two countries by disseminating the tolerant teachings of Islam and confronting extremism, and applauded Egypt's role in contributing to realizing African countries' development and economic growth by organizing and hosting many distinguished continental economic fora that enhance opportunities to attract foreign investment to the continent.
The meeting also touched on regional developments as well as joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism. There was agreement to continue joint consultations and coordination on these issues, including the situation in the Sahel region, especially in light of Egypt's current chairmanship of the African Union.
El-Sisi Receives President of Niger
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met on Wednesday with the President of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, on the sidelines of the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that the President welcomed President Issoufou's keenness to participate in the Forum's first edition. He confirmed the special historic relations between the two countries and Egypt's keenness to further enhance relations with Niger on different levels, given the strategic relations that bring the two countries together, as well as agreement of views concerning many regional and international issues.
The President of Niger applauded the close relations between the two countries, noting his country's keenness to develop cooperation with Egypt and expressed his appreciation for Egypt's support to Chad in many fields, especially capacity support. The President of Niger also applauded Egypt's active role in the African arena, in light of its current chairmanship of the African Union, and praised various Egyptian efforts in this regard, which would achieve the aspirations of the peoples of the continent for stability and development.
The meeting touched on ways to advance cooperation between the two countries. El-Sisi confirmed Egypt's interest in continuing cooperation with Niger in the field of capacity building, through training courses provided by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development. This is in addition to topics related to investment and enhancing intra-African trade, in light of President Issoufou's capacity as Champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The two presidents exchanged views on the situation in the Sahel region. El-Sisi conveyed his condolences to the President of Niger for the victims of the terrorist attack that targeted an army camp in the country. President Issoufou explained the increasing security challenges posed by the situation in the Sahel region due to the proliferation of terrorist groups and the increase in the number of their members, in addition to the external support they are receiving. This requires the international community to unite to confront this growing danger by supporting the capabilities of the Sahel countries and forming an international front to address the escalating situation. The two presidents agreed to continue joint consultation and coordination at the African level and within the framework of international fora and organizations, in addition to maximizing security cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism. The President praised Niger's efforts in the Sahel region.
El-Sisi Receives Senegalese President on Sidelines of Aswan Forum
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met on Wednesday with President of the Republic of Senegal Macky Sall, on the sidelines of the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that El-Sisi welcomed President Sall and lauded the firm relations between the two countries, particularly in light of Senegal’s significance in the East Africa region that directly affects Egypt’s national security. El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation across various areas, notably in trade, investment, upgrading the infrastructure, providing technical support and building capacities. This comes in light of El-Sisi’s successful visit to Dakar in April 2019.
The Spokesman added that Sall commended the ongoing progress in the two countries’ relations and expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt, its people and leadership. The President of Senegal confirmed his keenness on participating in the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, which establishes Egypt’s vital role in efforts aiming to achieve comprehensive development and preserve peace and security in the African continent by sharing its expertise and harnessing its outstanding capabilities.
The meeting tackled ways to foster closer cooperation in the area of combating terrorism and extremist ideology in the African continent at the level of security and information-sharing as well as at the intellectual level. El-Sisi stressed that Egypt looks forward to boosting cooperation in this regard with Senegal, which is a major center for disseminating enlightened and moderate Islamic thought in the East Africa region. This is in addition to enhancing the role of Al Azhar delegation in Senegal and offering scholarships in various fields for Senegalese students to study in Egypt, which President Sall welcomed. The Senegalese President lauded the role of Al Azhar in fighting extremist ideology across the world.
The talks also touched on the latest developments in a number of African issues, notably in light of Egypt’s current chairmanship of the African Union. There was an agreement on the need to continue consultations and coordination on developments in these dossiers, including the situation in the East Africa region.
El-Sisi Participates in “Dialogue with the Leaders” Session at Aswan Forum
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated on Wednesday in the session “Dialogue with the Leaders”, at the opening of the first edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, which was also attended by the Presidents of Chad, Nigeria, Senegal, Niger, the Comoro Islands as well as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
President El-Sisi reiterated the need to address the challenges facing the African continent through a comprehensive approach that seeks to realize sustainable development and aims to reinforce peace and security in Africa so as to contribute to realizing the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples in various fields. The President reviewed the Egyptian experience in this regard, underscoring the importance of enhancing collective action, particularly in countering the common threat of terrorism. This is in addition to strengthening efforts to establish the infrastructure to build continental and regional connectivity.
President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s readiness to support African countries by sharing its experience in maintaining peace and stability in parallel with achieving development. He asserted that Egypt’s current chairmanship of the AU did not spare any effort to achieve tangible results that reflect the aspirations of the AU’s Agenda 2063 for development in the sectors of economic integration and regional amalgamation; economic and social development; peace and security in Africa; the AU’s institutional and financial reform; extending bridges for cultural engagement; and collaborating with international partners. The President affirmed that Egypt will continue to engage with Africa’s issues even after the end of its current AU chairmanship so as to realize the interests of the African continent.
The declaration for the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development aims to establish an African forum to study the relation between peace and security and sustainable development and find African solutions for African problems by linking policies with practical practices. The forum shall offer a platform for active actors as well as national, regional and international partners to assess the current opportunities and challenges to peace, security and development in Africa.
Second Day Events:
El-Sisi Holds Official Banquet
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi hold an official banquet in honor of heads of state and government and heads of delegations participating in the first edition of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
El-Sisi Receives the President of the Comoros
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received today, in Aswan, President of the Comoros, Azali Assoumani,
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said that the President welcomed his brother Assoumani in Egypt. His Excellency praised the historic relations between the two countries at the Arab and African levels and the distinguished bonds between the two brotherly peoples in light of the huge number of Comorian scholars in Egypt.
The Comorian President expressed his country’s appreciation for Egypt’s leadership, people and pioneering role in Africa. He stressed his country’s keenness to foster bilateral relations between both countries in various fields. He said that he was thankful for the warm welcome and generous hospitality he received in Aswan.
The Spokesman added that during the meeting they addressed means of enhancing bilateral relations. El-Sisi stressed that Egypt is looking forward to activate joint cooperation framework at all levels, work on increasing trade exchange rates between both countries and support as well as build the potentials of the Comorian people.
Moreover, they reviewed the efforts Egypt exerts within the framework of its chairmanship of the African Union. The Comorian President lauded in that regard the Egyptian efforts aiming to foster the joint African work, especially when it comes to activating the free trade area that would contribute to meeting the aspirations of the continent’s people towards achieving development and prosperity, improving investment climate and increasing intra-trade rates.
El-Sisi Receives President of Nigeria in Aswan
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the President welcome his brother President Muhammadu Buhari in Egypt. His Excellency stressed the deep historic relations that bring together Egypt and Nigeria, underscoring their relations at the political, economic, security and cultural levels.
The President pointed to the importance of further strengthening trade exchange and mutual investments between the two countries. He lauded the growing cooperation between Egypt and Nigeria in the field of potentials building through the various programs organized by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development, in light of Egypt’s belief in the importance of investing in the human resources in the continent.
The President of Nigeria stressed his country’s appreciation for the distinguished historic relations between both countries, praising Egypt’s pivotal role in Africa in light of the efforts it exerts through its chairmanship of the African Union, in particular.
The President of Nigeria expressed his country’s keenness on developing bilateral relations in all fields, especially trade and economic cooperation in a form appropriate to the depth of the political relations between the two countries. In this regard, he praised the Egyptian companies’ activities in Nigeria and stressed the aspiration of increasing the Egyptian investments there.
The Spokesman added that they addressed means to foster bilateral relations, especially in light of the economic boom witnessed by both countries. They also agreed on the importance of strengthening political consultation, further coordinating over means to consolidate security and stability in Africa and exchanging experience in the fields of security and countering terrorism in light of the common challenges facing both countries.
They also discussed means to maximize joint African action and the recent updates in the Sudan, Libya, the Sahel and West Africa. The President stressed Egypt’s keenness during its AU chairmanship on achieving Africa’s strategic goals represented in the fields of peace and security, establishing stability, putting an end to conflicts, social and economic development, economic and regional integration, activating the Continental Free Trade Agreement and fiscal and institutional reform of the AU.
The Nigerian President congratulated Egypt in that regard on its excellent organization and success in hosting Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development which consolidates Egypt’s active role at the level of promoting joint African work frameworks and achieving development and stability goals in the continent.
El-Sisi Attends Closing Session of Aswan Forum
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attends the closing session of Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.
All rights reserved to the presidency Copyright © 2020
All rights reserved to the presidency Copyright © 2020