Egypt ready to share counterterrorism expertise with Mali: FM

CAIRO - 1 December 2024: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s commitment to sharing its expertise in combating and defeating terrorism with Mali.

In a joint press conference with his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop, Abdelatty stated that Egypt has successfully developed a model for combating terrorism, which can be emulated by other countries. This model focuses on several key areas, including security and social and economic strategies. The approach comprises providing job opportunities for young people, dismantling extremist ideologies, and cutting off the financial support that sustains terrorist organizations.

He added that the ministries of defense and interior of Egypt and Mali witness full cooperation, where Egypt offers the necessary training and capacity-building programs to help enhance Mali’s counterterrorism strategies.

Abdelatty noted that the Malian foreign minister is accompanied by the Malian minister of defense during his visit, signaling a comprehensive cooperation in security matters that aims to bolster the capabilities of both countries in combating terrorism.

The discussions also covered economic and trade cooperation, particularly the role of Egyptian companies—both government-owned and private—in supporting Mali’s development. 

Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s commitment to assisting Mali's energy sector, specifically in generating electricity through new and renewable energy sources to address the existing energy deficit. He further noted the role of the Egyptian private sector in contributing to Mali’s energy sector development.

On health and medicine, Abdelatty announced that, upon the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Egypt will provide a grant of medical equipment for the Egyptian wing of the Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Bamako, the capital of Mali. This comes as part of Egypt’s ongoing support for Mali’s health sector. 

The export of the Egyptian medicine to Mali and the potential localization of its production in the country to meet growing demand for the Egyptian pharmaceuticals,  known for their quality, effectiveness, and affordability, were also discussed.

Abdelatty emphasized that President El-Sisi's directives prioritize Egypt’s support for state institutions across Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. He explained that any weakening of state institutions creates a power vacuum that non-state actors and terrorist organizations often exploit. Thus, supporting these institutions remains a central focus of Egyptian foreign policy.

He reiterated Egypt’s willingness to expand cooperation with other Sahel nations, pointing out that Egypt had previously hosted the foreign ministers of Burkina Faso and Niger. This reflects Egypt's continuous support for its African neighbors in their efforts to combat terrorism.

The talks also covered several regional issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in regional and international forums. Egypt reaffirmed its support for Mali’s return to the African Union, ensuring the necessity of its full participation in the union’s activities. 

Additionally, Egypt emphasized its ongoing support for joint nominations in international forums.

The discussions also touched upon the critical issue of water security, which is an existential concern for Egypt. Abdelatty confirmed that Egypt’s position on water security is non-negotiable. 

He also addressed the broader geopolitical situation in the Sahel region, including the newly formed confederation among three Sahel countries, as well as the situations in Sudan, Libya, and other areas of concern across the African continent.