African ties a primary goal of Egyptian politics: minister

CAIRO – 21 May 2017: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry called for African states to pursue efforts of necessary reform, aiming to eliminate poverty and loans crisis and combat diseases, during the opening session of Cairo University’s “African studies in 70 years conference” on Sunday.

Assistant Foreign Minister Amgad Abdel Ghaffar read the speech on behalf of Shoukry, in the international conference organized by Cairo University’s Institute of African Studies and Research.

Shoukry’s speech referred to the African component as an integral part of Egyptian identity, pointing out that President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi’s continuously expending effort to enhance Egypt’s ties with other African countries.

The aspects of this commitment are evident in several fields Shoukry stated, counting Egypt’s contributions to peacekeeping efforts in Africa and how it employs its membership in the UN Security Council and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to address the challenges of the continent and propose solutions.

Shoukry also indicated that Egypt is aware of the numerous challenges faced by the continent, such as political instability, security issues, counterterrorism efforts, and economic challenges.

Terrorism has become a plague that threatens the present and future of Africa and Egypt, Shoukry went on, adding that Egypt has always believed in collective efforts, on continental and international levels, as a necessity to confront these threats.
The minister concluded by emphasizing Egypt’s support to its African states, as a primary goal of its foreign politics.

The conference is taking place between May 21 and 23, under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Environment Khaled Fahmy, and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.