Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Tuesday his talks with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa in Cairo were “fruitful and deep” and addressed means to promote bilateral relations.
He said they agreed on the importance of upgrading bilateral ties to the level of strategic cooperation in the political, economic, security and cultural fields.
During a joint press conference held at the Ittihadiya palace following the meeting, Sisi said the two sides also agreed on setting a date for holding the joint committee meetings in the first quarter of next year.
“We confirmed the importance of the continuation of coordinating efforts for boosting security and stability in Africa and settling regional disputes,” he stated, adding that both leaders also underlined the need to push forward development in Africa under the current Egyptian chairmanship of the African Union.
Sisi and Ramaphosa also highlighted the necessity of activating the principle of African Solutions to African Issues.
For his part, Ramaphosa affirmed to Sisi that his country supports the establishment of a railway line between Egypt and South Africa's Cape Town.
He expressed his country’s keenness on enhancing “historic” bilateral relations and ongoing cooperation with Egypt.
“South African people will always appreciate the Egyptian support to their country, particularly in time of struggle against colonization, and the great welcome showed to leader Nelson Mandela,” Ramaphosa said.
He uncovered an agreement with Sisi to reinforce economic cooperation by boosting partnerships between the investors of both countries.
“We exchanged views on African peace and security. We have concerns over threats facing some African and Gulf states and we expressed commitment to the 2020 Silencing the Guns Initiative,” Rampahosa said.
