Egypt's Foreign Minister stresses peace, security, economic ties at EU-AU Meeting
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the importance of peace, security, and economic ties at the European Union-African Union (EU-AU) Ministerial Meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, 21 May. He affirmed Egypt's commitment to bolstering the strategic partnership between the two blocs and held separate bilateral meetings on the sidelines with his Rwandan counterpart and the Secretary-General of COMESA.
During the EU-AU Meeting's plenary session on 'Peace, Security, and Governance,' Minister Abdelatty delivered Egypt's statement. He highlighted that the gathering occurred amidst unprecedented regional and international challenges, underscoring that these circumstances necessitate a deeper EU-AU partnership to end conflicts, combat terrorism, address forced migration, and protect maritime security. Abdelatty welcomed the EU's consistent support for African frameworks confronting continental threats.
The Minister reiterated Egypt's belief in a comprehensive approach to sustainable peace by strengthening the nation-state and its institutions. He emphasised that building state capacities requires joint efforts to achieve lasting peace and called for supporting AU and African regional economic communities in early warning, conflict prevention, and mediation.
In this context, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's role as the AU Champion for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD). He detailed Egypt's collaboration with the AU Commission on updating PCRD policies, including the launch of the Cairo-based AU Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (AUCPCRD), and urged EU support for the AU Commission in this area.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister underscored the importance of supporting Somalia's pursuit of stability and prosperity. He stressed the critical need to fund the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to achieve its objectives, adding that a successful African-European partnership in Somalia would model future cooperation.
On the sidelines, Abdelatty met Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Minister Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, highlighting cooperation in energy, infrastructure, logistics, trade, investment, health, agriculture, and security. He welcomed the finalised land allocation for two logistic zones, one in each country, to enhance Egyptian companies' access to the Rwandan market, and noted progress on the Egypt-Rwanda/Magdi Yacoub Heart Centre.
Also on Wednesday, Abdelatty met Chileshe Kapwepwe, Secretary-General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). He praised Kapwepwe's efforts during Egypt's recent COMESA chairmanship for deepening economic integration. Abdelatty highlighted aspirations for cooperation in health, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and infrastructure to facilitate trade. He stressed Egypt's readiness to share expertise in specialised economic zones, the green economy, and solar energy, emphasising COMESA members' role in supporting the Secretariat to maximise economic integration benefits for overcoming regional economic challenges.
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