Egyptian Speaker: Relations with Nigeria are progressing

ABUJA, Oct 29 (MENA) - Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Ali Abdel Aal said on Tuesday that relations with Nigeria are progressing.

Nigeria, the current chairman of the United Nations General Assembly, is the largest and most influential country in west Africa, he said at a meeting here with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

He added that parliamentary diplomacy in Africa is aimed at promoting relations among all African parliaments.

Egyptian Ambassador here Asem Hanafi attended the meeting.

The Egyptian Speaker said that his current visit here is aimed at bolstering African parliamentary relations and explaining the Egyptian stance regarding many issues of common concern.

Abdel Aal reviewed challenges facing Africa atop of which comes terrorism along with Egyptian efforts for fighting terrorist groups.

He added that other challenges include scarcity of water, youth unemployment and development.

The Nigerian VP expressed appreciation for the Egyptian role in Africa in light of the current Egyptian chairmanship of the African Union.