Tripartite meeting for Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal addresses African issues, Red Sea security

CAIRO – 18 January 2025: Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty hosted a tripartite meeting in Cairo with Ms. Yacine Fall, Senegal’s Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the tripartite meeting, Minister Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s pride in its strong ties with both Senegal and Nigeria, underscoring the importance of further strengthening the tripartite cooperation between the three nations. 

He highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to address regional and international challenges, as well as to foster greater regional integration across Africa. This cooperation, he noted, is anchored in a strategic vision focused on advancing the common interests of the African people. He also outlined Egypt’s ongoing efforts to support development and promote cooperation among African countries.

The ministers discussed several regional issues of mutual concern, particularly the enhancement of collaboration in the areas of security, sustainable development, and trade, with a view to achieving the shared interests of Africa’s peoples. They also reviewed key developments across the continent, including ongoing efforts to promote stability and combat terrorism and extremism.

Egyptian-Nigerian Business Forum to Strengthen Economic Cooperation

On the same day, the Egyptian-Nigerian Business Forum was held at the headquarters of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones. During the forum, Minister Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s pride in its longstanding and strong relationship with Nigeria. 

He noted that the business forum serves as a vital platform for Egyptian and Nigerian entrepreneurs to engage, explore promising economic opportunities, and strengthen cooperation through expanded trade, investment, and the exchange of expertise. 

The Egyptian Foerign Minister stressed that enhancing economic ties between the two countries is essential to consolidating the foundations of peace, prosperity, and stability, adding that both nations possess vast untapped potential in the economic sphere.

The forum was attended by the Nigerian Foreign Minister. Additionally, other Egyptian Ministers participated in the forum, inlcuding Eng. Hassan El Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; Dr. Hani Sweilem, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation; and Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. Also, the heads of the Joint Business Council were present, along with numerous businessmen, representatives of major Egyptian and Nigerian companies, and government officials.

Minister Abdelatty also highlighted the importance of cooperation in areas such as green investments, renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, and the improvement of water management practices. He further emphasized the need to develop human capital by fostering educational exchanges, offering scholarships, and empowering the next generation of professionals in both Egypt and Nigeria.

Visa exception for diplamts between Egypt, Nigeria

Egypt and Nigeria signed of a joint declaration and an agreement on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders. The agreement was inked by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Nigerian counterpart on Saturday.

This came during the Egypt-Nigeria’s their third round of political consultations at the ministerial level, led by their respective foreign ministers.

The consultations focused on strengthening bilateral relations in various fields, including political, security, economic, and cultural cooperation.

Both countries acknowledged the importance of enhancing trade and investment ties, given their leading roles in the African continent.

The meeting also addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern, such as the situation in the Horn of Africa, Red Sea security, Somalia, and Sudan.

Abdelatty highlighted its efforts in mediating a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and emphasized the need for its full implementation.

Enhancing Egyptian-Senegalese bilateral ties

The Egyptian and Senegalese Foreign Ministers held bilateral talks to strengthen ties and cooperation in various areas including trade, infrastructure, and regional security.

The two ministers discussed ways to strengthen partnerships between the private sectors of Egypt and Nigeria, particularly focusing on the implementation of infrastructure projects by Egyptian companies. 

They explored opportunities to leverage Egyptian expertise in areas such as the development of new cities, construction, irrigation networks, land reclamation, factory building, and the localization of certain industries. Additionally, the ministers highlighted cooperation in the oil, gas, and minerals sectors, as well as related industries like petrochemicals.

They also addressed plans to establish a special economic zone near the port of "Ndayane" and expand the port of Dakar to transform it into a regional logistics hub. Another key topic of discussion was the creation of a shipping line between the two countries to facilitate trade and the transport of goods.

Beyond economic matters, the ministers exchanged views on key regional issues, including the situation in the Sahel and West Africa, developments in the Horn of Africa, and the ongoing crises in Somalia and Sudan. They also discussed Egypt's water security concerns and exchanged insights on the latest developments in Gaza, Syria, and Libya. The two ministers further deliberated on ways to enhance joint African action, foster regional integration, and address key issues within the framework of the African Union.