Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty stressed that Egyptian companies with extensive experience in infrastructure, energy, transport and construction are keen to take part in development projects in Mali.
The top diplomat made the remarks during a phone call on Sunday with Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Tamim Khallaf said Abdelatty underlined the importance of building on the notable progress in bilateral relations in recent years to develop cooperation in the political, economic and development fields.
He underscored Egypt’s interest in strengthening economic ties with Mali, particularly in investment and trade.
The contact also covered security and development challenges in the Sahel region, with Abdelatty reaffirming Egypt’s full support for the Malian government’s efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and to restore security and stability.
He stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach combining security, development and intellectual dimensions.
He referred to the role played by Egyptian educational and religious institutions, foremost among them Al-Azhar, in supporting stability and promoting moderate thought, as well as the grants and programs offered by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding.
Both ministers reiterated their commitment to continued coordination and consultation on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and to joint efforts to support security, stability and sustainable development in the Sahel and West Africa in a way that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to stability across the African continent.
