Egypt, Agence Française de Développement discuss environment issues of African countries

CAIRO - 12 December 2021:  Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad and Regional Director Eastern Africa at the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Christian Yoka and his accompanying delegation discussed the urgent issues of the African continent in light of Egypt's hosting of the  next UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), said Egyptian Ministry of Environment on Sunday.

 

The Egyptian Minister highlighted importance of cooperation with the agency in light of the extended and fruitful relations with France, specifically in climate change issues, the ministry said.

 

Fouad said that the COP 27 will pay special attention to the pressing issues of the African continent, especially when it comes to financing and adaptation. She added that 

 

For his part, Christian Yoka offered full readiness to cooperate in the upcoming climate conference COP 27 to support the interests of the African continent, the ministry added.

 

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed preparations underway to host the COP27 scheduled for 2022, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Radi said on Saturday.

 

In a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli and a group of ministers, Sisi affirmed the need that this global event reflects the huge progress Egypt is witnessing in the environment sector and regarding transition to clean energy.

 

This comes within the framework of the Egyptian state’s continued efforts to fulfill its commitments toward humanity through protecting environment and display the Egyptian modern state’s image and efforts in implementing the sustainable agenda strategy Egypt 2030, Sisi said.

 

Egypt has officially been selected last month to host the conference after years of significant work on countering climate change.

 

The Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh will host COP27 “on behalf of African nations,” Sisi said in a speech at the COP26 in Glasgow in November.

 

Egypt’s proposal to host COP27 was titled "Road to COP27...A United Africa for a Resilient Future.”

 

Fouad had thanked African states and NGOS at COP26 in Glasgow for endorsing Egypt’s offer, stating that it will be “a real African conference.”

 

She thanked the UK for its efforts and initiative in COP26, promising to continue the hard work and to build bridges of cooperation, remove differences and find common ground.

 

“Egypt takes it upon itself to make every effort to achieve success in COP27 in facing this challenge that threatens the whole world, and will spare no effort to make COP27 hospitable and constructive for all,” Fouad said.

 

She added that COP27 will help and African countries and the most affected nations to swiftly begin their measures to confront climate change and adapt to its impact.