Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called on Monday for supporting African countries address challenges caused by climate change.
He described the phenomenon as an existential threat to many countries and communities across the world.
He made his remarks during the opening session of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin that is co-chaired by Egypt and Germany.
He said Africa, more than any other region, is most affected by climate change due to its limited capacities.
“The recent food and energy crises have exacerbated the challenges that African countries must face,” Sisi stressed.
He added that the continent already suffers from desertification, water scarcity, high sea levels, floods, torrential rains among other extreme weather conditions that are being exacerbated by climate change.
He underscored the importance of exerting all efforts to support African countries, empower them to benefit from their natural resources and achieve economic development in line with efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment.
Egypt will host in November the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Sis said the event will be held as the world grapples with the global energy and food crises, fallout from Russia's war on Ukraine, coronavirus pandemic and other challenges.
These challenges place a formidable responsibility on the international community to ensure that they will not impact the pace of implementation of its common vision with Egypt to address climate change, he added.
He stressed that Cairo will spare no effort to ensure the success of the climate summit by “providing conducive and inclusive conditions for all parties, including states, international organizations, civil society and others to make real progress on the governmental negotiating track.”
Sisi also held talks with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during which he stressed that Cairo looks forward to deepening bilateral ties, notably on the economic and commercial levels.
He called for maximizing the volume of Germany’s investments in Egypt, since it is one of its key European partners.
Egypt presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said Sisi further underlined his country’s advanced infrastructure and improved environment for doing business.
Germany has been hosting the Petersberg Climate Dialogue since 2009 and it is being held in preparation for COP27.
