Egypt restored leading status in Africa: Press Authority deputy chief

Press AuthorityCAIRO, June 17 (MENA) - Egypt has regained its leading status in Africa after years of absence that witnessed many changes and saw regional and western powers seeking to exploit Africa's wealth, First Undersecretary of the National Press Authority Abdullah Hassan said on Monday.

In an article published in Al Ahram Al Arabi magazine, Hassan said that after the June 30 revolution in 2013 President Abdel Fattah El Sisi worked hard to restore Egypt's status in the Arab, African and international arenas, underscoring the importance of the visits he paid to a great number of African countries and the many meetings he had with their leaders to boost bilateral ties.

Egypt has made many achievements in the African arena, he noted, pointing out that it regained its African Union (AU) membership, which was suspended in the wake of June 30 revolution and President Sisi won the presidency of the AU for 2019. And, in addition to that, it will be hosting AFCON this week, he elaborated.

He added that such achievements reflect trust of African nations in the stable security situation maintained by Egypt and its success in uprooting terrorist groups financed by foreign countries with the aim of destabilizing the state.

The writer, meanwhile, shed light on high-level preparations carried out by Egypt ahead of AFCON tournament which is set to bring together fans from 24 African countries eager to take part in the event that will run through June 21-July 19.