FM lauds Ivorian support of Egypt’s nominee for Unesco
Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire have expressed mutual commitment to deepening their co-operation and exploring the possibility of elevating bilateral relations to the level of comprehensive partnership reflecting the shared visions of the two countries’ political leadership.
A joint communiqué issued on Monday following a meeting of the political consultation mechanism also said that the two countries have looked into the prospects of furthering co-operation across political, economic and trade fields.
The conditions in the Sahel and West Africa regions, the developments in Gaza and Egypt’s efforts to achieve ceasefire there, the developments in Libya and the Sudan and the River Nile water file were considered during the session.
On the promotion of co-operation between the two countries, the communiqué said Egypt had expressed willingness to support Côte d’Ivoire’s project to establish an institute for diplomatic studies.
Regarding coordination at international fora, the communiqué said the Ivorian side reiterated support for Egypt’s nominee to the Unesco’s top post of Director-General, and Egypt affirmed its backing to Côte d’Ivoire’ candidate for the post of Deputy Director of the International Bureau of the World Postal Union.
Monday’s session was the political consultation mechanism’s third since its inception, and the final communiqué said agreement had been reached to convene the mechanism’s fourth round in Abidjan in 2026, the exact date of which to be fixed in due course.
The mechanism’s session on Monday was co-chaired by Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati and his Ivorian counterpart Léon Kakou Adoum. The two top diplomats had met earlier in the day yesterday for a review of issues of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Minister Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s strong commitment to advancing strategic ties with Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the dynamic progress in relations between the two countries.
Dr Abdel-Aati underscored the significance of holding the third round of political consultations, reflecting a shared will to deepen co-operation and foster dialogue on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Minister Abdel-Aati praised the upward trajectory of Egyptian-Ivorian relations, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of ministerial visits and technical exchanges. He recalled the achievements of the second consultation round held in October 2024, which paved the way for elevating bilateral dialogue to the ministerial level.
He reiterated Egypt’s readiness to enhance co-operation with Côte d’Ivoire across multiple sectors, including in the foremost agriculture, livestock and fisheries, infrastructure, mining, health, transportation, education, and civil aviation.
In particular, the minister highlighted the competitive edge of Egyptian expertise in implementing large-scale development projects across Africa – from constructing vital infrastructure to localising pharmaceutical production, said the Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Tamim Khallaf.
He added that Minister Abdel-Aati further emphasised Egypt’s willingness to support Côte d’Ivoire in establishing an Institute for Diplomatic Studies and enhancing capacity-building efforts throughout West Africa, especially in counterterrorism.
In this respect, the minister outlined Egypt’s integrated approach to combating terrorism – encompassing security, political, economic, and intellectual dimensions – and noted Egypt’s practical tools and institutional mechanisms, such as training programmes for military and police forces, educational initiatives by Al-Azhar, and peace-building programmes led by the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peace-keeping, and Peace-building (CCCPA).
Dr Abdel-Aati also reiterated Egypt’s deep concern for the stability and security of the Sahel and West Africa region, emphasising that regional instability poses wider implications for African countries, including Egypt.
The Egyptian and Ivorian ministers held detailed discussions on broader regional developments, including the situation in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and the Red Sea, reaffirming their commitment to supporting African solutions to African challenges.
Both sides agreed to maintain active coordination and consultation mechanisms at both bilateral and multilateral levels. They also committed to supporting each other’s candidatures at regional and international organisations
Minister Abdel-Aati, in this context, expressed sincere appreciation for Côte d’Ivoire’s support of Egypt’s nominee, Dr Khaled El-Enani, for the post of UNESCO Director-General.
For his part, Minister Léon Kakou Adoum commended Egypt’s longstanding efforts in building institutional and human capacity in West Africa and its proactive diplomacy in facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
The consultations concluded with the signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of official passports, aimed at enhancing official mobility and reinforcing the spirit of African solidarity and co-operation.
