High-level meeting in Paris highlights close relations between Egypt, South Africa

CAIRO - 24 June 2023: President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Paris on the sidelines of the New Global Financing Pact Summit.

The meeting underscored Egypt's commitment to enhancing its relations with South Africa across various sectors, particularly in light of the exceptional ties between the two countries.

The importance of maximizing the utilization of their significant potential and capabilities was emphasized, with the aim of activating bilateral cooperation frameworks in various sectors, especially in terms of trade, to achieve mutual interests and contribute to driving development in the African continent.

President Ramaphosa praised the close relations between the two sister countries and expressed his country's commitment to activate and develop bilateral cooperation with Egypt.

He also acknowledged Egypt's active role in the African arena and its efforts towards stability and development.

He recognized the aspirations of African nations and the role that Egypt plays in fulfilling them.

The spokesperson for the presidency added that the meeting discussed various regional issues of mutual interest, as well as ways to enhance efforts to settle conflicts and crises across the African continent, particularly the crisis in Sudan.

The discussions also focused on strengthening economic and developmental cooperation and increasing trade among African countries.

The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the recent visits by several African heads of state and government, including Egypt and South Africa, to Russia and Ukraine. These visits were part of the African initiative for mediating the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

Both presidents agreed on the importance of continued efforts to contain the crisis, overcome its humanitarian and economic consequences, which have affected the entire world, and seek a peaceful settlement to restore international stability and security.

Egypt and South Africa have long-standing diplomatic relations and have witnessed increased collaboration in recent years.

The two countries have established strong economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching significant levels. South Africa is one of Egypt's key trading partners in Africa, and efforts are being made to further strengthen economic cooperation and increase trade volume.

Additionally, Egypt has been actively involved in mediating regional conflicts and crises, demonstrating its commitment to peace and stability in Africa.