FM holds talks with Comoran, Zambian, Angolan counterparts in Accra

CAIRO – 21 July 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdel-Atty held talks on Sunday with his Comoran and Zambian counterparts during separate meetings on the margins of the 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU), held in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

During his meeting with the Comoran foreign minister, the Egyptian top diplomat discussed bilateral relations, and the situation in Gaza, Sudan, and Libya.

The Comoran side voiced great appreciation of Egypt's support in training and capacity-building domains, especially scholarships granted to Comoran students from Al-Azhar Al Shariff and Cairo University, according to a statement by Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid on his official account on X, formerly Twitter.

During his meeting with the foreign minister of Zambia, Abdelatty discussed the importance bolstering cooperation, expanding joint training and capacity-building programs, and maintaining bilateral consultation on regional issues of mutual concern.

Also, Abdel-Atty commended the long-standing relations between Egypt and Angola, highlighting the momentum it has gained which culminated in President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's visit to Angola in June 2023.

During a meeting with his Angolan counterpart Tete António, Abdel-Atty emphasized the significance of capitalizing on the progress made during Sisi's visit, saying that he looks forward to a visit to Cairo by President João Lourenço of Angola.

According to foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid, the meeting was held on the sidelines of the Ghana-hosted 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting that brings together the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities, the Regional Mechanisms and the African Union Member States.

Abdel-Atty underscored the importance of enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, and education.

Additionally, Abdel-Atty stressed the importance of implementing previously signed agreements and memoranda of understanding.

He expressed Egypt's readiness to host the initial session of the political consultations mechanism between the two countries' foreign ministries, aiming to facilitate enhanced joint coordination on mutual interest matters.

The top diplomat extended congratulations to Angola on its upcoming presidency of the African Union in 2025. He expressed Egypt's commitment to supporting Angola's presidency and emphasized the mutual desire to advance African interests and priorities, particularly as Egypt and Angola are members of the African Union Peace and Security Council for 2024-2025.

Both parties emphasized the importance of coordinating their positions on issues addressed by the council, including developments in the Horn of Africa and the ongoing conflict in Sudan.