We seek to overcome obstacles facing Egyptians in Africa: Minister

CAIRO – 5 July 2021: Minister of State for Immigration and Egyptian Expatriate Affairs Nabila Makram received Egypt’s General Bishop Joseph in Africa, specifically in Namibia, Botswana, Malawi and Zimbabwe, to discuss strengthening ways of cooperation and coordination regarding “Egypt’s Voice in Africa” initiative.

During the meeting, Minister Nabila Makram welcomed the general bishop, and reviewed the most important axes on which the initiative is based.

She highlighted Egypt's restoration of its leading and great role in the black continent, through the sustainability of communication with the Egyptian communities in Africa and the optimization of the Egyptian soft powers there.

The Minister of Immigration added that she held around three virtual meetings so far with a number of Egyptians residing in several African countries, including: Lesotho, Nigeria, Namibia, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire and Zimbabwe, and that she listened to their proposals, including: activating the tourism flow and aviation with African countries, promoting trade exchange and investments, increasing import and export operations, especially for medicines, food, agricultural crops and furniture, cooperation in the fields of education and electricity, and sending medical support to African countries.

The minister stressed the importance of cooperation with the Egyptian Church in Africa to overcome any obstacles facing the Egyptian community there, and work to meet their needs in various aspects, stressing coordination to organize a fourth virtual meeting soon to discuss the results and listen to new proposals.

For his part, His Grace Bishop Joseph expressed his great happiness at meeting with the Egyptian Minister of Immigration, and announced his welcome to cooperate with the ministry regarding the "Egypt’s Voice in Africa" ​​initiative, especially in light of Egypt's great move in the African continent during the era of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Anba Joseph added: "We look forward to the existence of joint cooperation between the Ministry of Immigration and the Egyptian Church in Africa in the scientific, health and social aspects as well as the areas of sustainable development. We also seek to develop and strengthen mutual relations in various ways."