Egypt held a series of contacts and consultations with African officials to boost its relations throughout the continent.
Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty held telephone talks on Friday with his counterparts from Kenya, Congo Brazzaville and Guinea Bissau to discuss regional and international developments.
Experts said the contacts aim at “deepening Egypt’s presence in Africa.”
An Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman said the talks tackled bilateral ties and means to strengthen them.
They discussed cooperation in various fields, including development, the economy, trade and investment.
The discussions underlined the importance of supporting development in Africa and achieving economic integration between its countries.
They stressed the need to intensify consultations and coordination to confront common economic, development and security challenges.
Abdelatty said Cairo was ready to support Congo Brazzaville through offering technical assistance and helping inaugurate sustainable development projects.
Former assistant minister of foreign affairs Ambassador Salah Halima noted that Egypt has intensified its talks with African countries in recent months.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat that the contacts aim to deepen its bilateral relations with African nations and to consult over pressing issues facing the Horn of Africa, Red Sea, central Africa and Sahel regions.
Former member of the Council for Foreign Affairs Ali al-Hafny told Asharq Al-Awsat that Egypt’s ties with Africa are now stronger than ever, noting the series of contacts and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's visits to various African countries.
Abdelatty had last month visited Gabon and Chad. Talks with officials focused on joint coordination over regional issues of common concern.
Al-Hafny said combating terrorism, resolving conflicts and supporting bilateral relations in the fields of infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and food and water security are top concerns in Africa.
