Egypt hosts African Union representatives to discuss trade corridors and regional stability as Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to the African Union’s founding principles of state sovereignty and non-interference on Saturday.
During the meeting with representatives of AU organisations and offices, Abdelatty stated that Egypt, as a founding member of the AU, prioritises joint action to consolidate peace, security, and development across the continent. He noted that these principles represent a fundamental pillar of Egyptian foreign policy within bilateral, regional, and international frameworks.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted Egypt’s support for African solutions to African problems and the preservation of national institutions. He specifically cited the leadership of the Egyptian President in the file of post-conflict reconstruction and development, as well as his chairmanship of the NEPAD Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee.
Economic integration remains a central component of Egypt’s policy toward Africa, Abdelatty told the representatives, who were joined by the Ambassador of Cameroon and the dean of the diplomatic corps in Cairo.
He pointed to several pioneering initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, such as the Cairo-Cape Town corridor, the Egypt-Libya-Chad corridor, and the VIC-MED project designed to link Lake Victoria with the Mediterranean Sea.
Moreover, Abdelatty said these projects, alongside the expansion of technical support in health, education, agriculture, energy, and construction, are intended to meet the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the AU’s Agenda 2063.
Addressing the political and security challenges facing the continent, the minister urged AU offices to play an active role in conflict prevention and the peaceful resolution of crises. He called for increased cooperation between AU bodies and Egyptian entities, specifically the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding.
Abdelatty also confirmed that the Egyptian government is providing necessary facilities to AU organisations operating in the country. He noted that a significant number of these offices have relocated to the New Administrative Capital, a move he said would help them perform their duties optimally.
The meeting concluded with an interactive dialogue between the minister and the representatives regarding future cooperation and strategies to address ongoing security and developmental challenges.
