President Sisi calls for greater African unity to confront regional, global challenges

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi underscored the importance of boosting solidarity and collective action among African nations to confront mounting regional and international challenges, safeguard strategic maritime routes, and enhance the continent’s food and energy security.

Speaking during Egypt’s celebration of Africa Day on Saturday, hosted this year by Cairo University, President Sisi said Africa is entering a new era of development and progress, driven by its vast resources and the determination of its peoples to maximise the value of the continent’s immense potential.

Africa Day is observed annually on May 25 to commemorate the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, which later became the African Union. The occasion symbolises African unity and honours the continent’s historic struggle for liberation and development, according to Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy.

The spokesman noted that this year’s celebration highlights Egypt’s longstanding and ongoing support for Africa, while showcasing successful partnership models that contribute to advancing the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

In his address, President Sisi warned that accelerating global and regional crises — and their repercussions on international trade, supply chains, maritime navigation, as well as food and energy security — reinforce the urgent need for African nations to deepen co-operation and unify efforts to preserve stability and protect shared interests within the framework of international law.

The Egyptian leader also stressed the significance of this year’s African Union theme focusing on water issues, describing water as a fundamental pillar for sustaining life, protecting African resources, and advancing regional integration.

In this regard, Sisi reiterated the importance of respecting international law governing transboundary rivers and ensuring responsible governance and sustainable management of shared water resources in a manner that serves mutual interests, supports sustainable development, and promotes peace, security, and regional integration rather than conflict and tension.

President Sisi further reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to preserving the unity and territorial integrity of African states and supporting their national institutions, describing them as essential pillars for addressing the continent’s interconnected challenges and consolidating peace and stability.

He stressed that Egypt would continue to serve as an active partner in supporting development efforts across Africa through the exchange of expertise, implementation of development projects, and expanded co-operation with international partners based on mutual respect and shared interests.

Sisi also welcomed Egypt’s hosting of the 8th Mid-Year Coordination Summit of the African Union next month, describing it as an important opportunity to advance regional integration efforts and accelerate implementation of the second ten-year plan of Agenda 2063 through enhanced co-operation between governments and African business communities.

Concluding his remarks, the president reasserted Egypt’s commitment to strengthening co-operation and integration among African nations in pursuit of greater prosperity and sustainable development for the peoples of the continent.

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المصدر: Egyptian Gazette