Burundian Senate head says AFCON opening “Impressive”

CAIRO – 22 June 2019: Egypt’s Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel Aal received Saturday morning head of the Burundian Senate Riverien Ndikuriyo as they discussed strong relations between both countries.

During the meeting, Ndikuriy hailed the Egyptian efforts that were exerted for the 2019 African Nations Championship (AFCON) opening ceremony. He described the evening as “Impressive”.

Abdel Aal said that the Egyptian, Burundian relation is strong and stable, noting that both countries cooperate in several fields and aim at strengthening their relations throng communication and dialogue.

Abdel Aal also stressed on Egypt’s support for the Burundian political efforts which aims at stabilizing and securing the country. He affirmed that Egypt is keen on enhancing all of its African relations as part of its role leading the African Union.

Last February, Egypt received the presidency of the African Union from Rwanda at the inauguration of the 32nd summit of the AU.

The summit which was inaugurated under the theme “The year of refugees, returnees, and international displaced persons - towards durable solutions to forced displacement in Africa” witnessed discussions on the African Peace and Security Council and the implementation of the AU road map and its capability to end civil armed conflicts on the continent by the end of 2020.

On June 12, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry hailed Egypt's deeply-rooted ties with African countries during a ceremony held in commemoration of Africa Day, which marks the anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963.

In a statement for spokesperson Ahmed Hafez, he said that the minister explained that this year's ceremony is of special importance due to Egypt's 2019 chairmanship of the African Union, noting that Egypt focuses on achieving sustainable development and establishing peace and stability throughout the continent.

Hafez's statement reported that Shoukry highlighted the need to promote inter-African cooperation to attain the aspirations of African peoples.