Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed expanding economic, trade, and investment ties and welcomed the formation of a bilateral business council aimed at strengthening private-sector cooperation between the two countries.
The talks were held in New Alamein on the sidelines of the eighth African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, according to the Egyptian presidency.
Al-Sisi said Cairo wanted to activate existing cooperation frameworks with South Africa and broaden ties across the political, economic, trade, and investment sectors, while supporting African economic integration and development.
The statement did not specify when the business council would begin operating or which sectors it would prioritise, and no new trade or investment agreements were announced.
Ramaphosa said South Africa was keen to deepen cooperation and coordination with Egypt, citing shared positions on several African and international issues. He also invited Al-Sisi to make a state visit to South Africa.
The two leaders discussed the Palestinian issue, with Al-Sisi praising South Africa’s position, while Ramaphosa said Pretoria’s stance also drew on Egypt’s historic position on the issue.
They also called for the peaceful settlement of conflicts and stronger regional security and stability to enable African countries to direct more resources towards sustainable development and improving living standards.
The meeting also covered irregular migration and the pressures it places on states, although the presidency did not announce any new measures or initiatives on the issue.
