President receives SA Minister of International Relations, Cooperation
Int’l community urged to end regional tension
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reiterated the importance of concerted efforts to bring African development priorities to the global agenda and to optimally benefit from the African Union’s new G20 membership.
President Sisi’s reiteration came during his meeting on Thursday with South African Minister of International Relations and Co-operation Ronald Lamola. The meeting was Attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr AbdelAati, and the South African Ambassador to Cairo Joseph Mashimbai.
The Spokesman for the Presidency Ambassador Ahmed Fahmy said Mr. Lamola conveyed to the President Sisi a message from the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, expressing his appreciation to the President and his keenness to continue developing relations between the two countries.
President appreciated this sentiment and said that Egypt holds in high esteem the historical brotherly relations that bind the two countries and Peoples, as well as the continuous contact between the with President Ramaphosa.
The Presidency spokesman added that the meeting explored ways to expand bilateral co-operation across various sectors, particularly in light of both countries’ membership in BRICS and their active roles in regional and African affairs.
The discussions also covered regional issues, including efforts of Egypt and South Africa to support the Palestinian cause.
They also reviewed the ongoing efforts to reach ceasefire in the region with both sides emphasising the international community’s responsibility to act decisively to take steps to end tension in the region and prevent the expansion of the conflict.
President Sisi stressed the importance of joint work to put African development priorities on the international agenda, as well as to achieve optimal benefit from the new African Union membership in the G20.
The spokesman added that the meeting also touched on African issues, ways to enhance cooperation through the African Union, and efforts to enhance security and peace in the continent.
The African security and peace initiatives, especially through collaboration at the African Union, were also addressed during the meeting, Spokesman Fahmy said.
In this respect, Minister Lamola expressed South Africa’s appreciation for Egypt’s support of countries facing crises across the continent, both politically and humanitarianly.
Minister Lamola was keen to confirm his country’s appreciation for the Egyptian role in supporting countries facing crises within Egypt’s regional surroundings as well as at the continental level, whether at the political or humanitarian levels.
President stressed that Egypt welcomes continuing consultation and coordination with South Africa at all levels, with the aim of progressing towards achieving peace, security and development in Africa.
