FM highlights GERD file in meeting with lawmakers, says Egypt keen to bolster relations with African states

CAIRO – 19 October 2024: Foreign, Emigration and Expatriates Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty affirmed on Saturday the Egyptian government’ political determination to foster relations with all African states,

Abdelatty made the remarks during a meeting with the House of Representatives' African Affairs Committee, led by Sheriff El Gabaly, to share views on various international issues and to deal with them in such a manner that serves national interests.

He briefed lawmakers on the constants of Egypt's position regarding issues with a direct impact on its national as well as continental security and the national security, especially the developments in Sudan and the Horn of Africa, and Ethiopia's hydropower Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile.

The minister also touched on the outcomes of his recent visits to African countries, highlighting the efforts made to bolster economic and trade relations with them.

He also shed light on the initiatives and programs implemented through the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) and Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), as well as the establishment of an investment mechanism in the Nile Basin and Egypt's New Export and Investment Guarantee Agency.

Abdelatty said Egypt's membership in the African Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the 2024-2026 term, and its presidency of the council this month testify to Egypt's active diplomatic role in Africa, as well as willingness to deepen partnerships with African countries to meet the aspirations of friendly African nations.

Abdelatty welcomed the parliament's efforts for establishing friendship groups with African parliaments for greater at the grassroots level.