Cairo, Johannesburg discuss co-operation, exchange of experiences

By ‏Mohamed Moussa and Ayman Rushdi

‏Cairo Governor Khaled Abdel-Aal, received on Sunday Mpho Phalatse, the executive mayor of Johannesburg, the second largest city in the African continent after Cairo, who is leading a South African delegation on a visit to the Egyptian capital.

‏The governor and Ms Phalatse discussed the enhancement of relations between Cairo and Johannesburg and the exchange of experiences between them in all different fields.

‏The South African delegation was interested in learning about Egypt’s pioneering experience in the eradication of slums and the transfer of slum dwellers to safe and modern housing in other areas.

‏The members of the delegation were also interested in studying the Egyptian experience in the construction of smart cities, including the New Administrative Capital.

‏Governor Abdel-Aal said Egypt appreciates and cherishes its friendship with South Africa and its people.

‏This appreciation, he said, is evident in interaction between the leaderships in both countries.

‏He pointed to the depth of relations between Cairo and Cape Town, noting that these relations unite Egypt and South Africa.

‏”Relations between our two countries date back to 1942,” the Cairo governor said.

‏He said this was achieved when the South African consulate was opened in Cairo.

‏The governor noted that the Cairo-Cape Town Road stands as an additional symbol of friendship between the two countries.

‏The road, he said, offers a great opportunity for the two countries to strengthen their relations even more in the coming period by linking the northern and southern parts of the African continent.

‏He expressed hopes that the road would turn into a development corridor that includes other countries in the continent.

‏Governor Abdel-Aal said Egypt is keen to achieve comprehensive development.

‏He referred to development and service projects carried out now in the Egyptian capital.

‏The governor noted that all state agencies and ministries would relocate to the New Administrative Capital with the aim of reducing pressures on Cairo and easing traffic in it.