Egypt's FM, Mushikiwabo talk cooperation to enhance OIF's role

CAIRO - 9 May 2019: Secretary General of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo praised Egypt's role in supporting the organization, following her meeting on Tuesday with Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri in Cairo.

She also expressed aspiration to work with Egypt and the member states to reform and improve the performance of the international organization, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.

Established in 1970, the OIF is an international institution that aims to promote the French language and universal values. With 54 full members, seven associate members, and 27 observers, the OIF represents states and regions where French is a customary language.

Shoukri was keen, during the meeting, to congratulate Mushikiwabo on assuming her post earlier this year.

He stressed the importance of strengthening the role of the OIF and highlighted the keenness of the Egyptian government to participate effectively in all the organization's activities.

Shoukri also affirmed that the OIF should keep on working to achieve its main objective, which is to establish peace and stability and express the aspirations of the developing countries and their peoples, particularly the least developed countries, including African countries.

Meeting Sisi

Mushikiwabo, the newly-appointed secretary-general of the OIF, also met on Tuesday with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

During the meeting, Mushikiwabo expressed thanks to Egypt for its historic support for the OIF, affirming the importance and centrality of the Egyptian role at the regional level and within the organization, presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said.

President Sisi affirmed his keenness to strengthen cooperation with the OIF to meet the aspirations of the peoples of the developing countries. The president also expressed Egypt's readiness, through its position as the chairman of the African Union, to provide the necessary expertise to the OIF.

The meeting reviewed the history of cooperation between Egypt and the OIF, Radi said, adding that Mushikiwabo thanked Egypt for the support the country provides to the University of Sangour, which was established in 1989 in Alexandria.

She noted that the university represents one of the most prominent educational and cultural organizations, stressing the OIF's keenness to develop the university to become a center for scientific innovation.

The meeting also underscored the importance of continuing the OIF's role in assisting its member states who experience crises and asserted Egypt's readiness to provide assistance to help these countries overcome the challenges they face in light of Egypt's role in the African continent and in peace-building.