FM Shoukry departs to Addis Ababa ahead of African summit

CAIRO - 30 June 2017: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry departed Cairo Friday morning heading to the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa to participate in the preparatory meetings for the 29th African Union.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Ahmed Abu Zaid said in a statement that Shoukry is going to participate at the 31st ordinary session of the Foreign Ministers Executive Council on June 30 and July 1.

These preparatory meetings come ahead of Addis Ababa African summit, scheduled 3-4 July 2017 titled "Harness the demographic return through investment in youth."

President assistant for national and strategic projects, Ibrahim Mahlab is going to head the Egyptian delegation to Addis Ababa, according to presidential statement Thursday.

"The African leaders presented at the summit are expected to discuss several issues including, peace and security in the region especially the situation in Libya and Somalia, Congo and Burundi case, Central Africa and terrorism in the region," ambassador Mona Omar, former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs said in statements to Sada Al-balad Thursday.

She added that the African leaders are going to hear and discuss Rwandan President Paul Kagame, report regarding the African Union economic restructuring and reform.