President El-Sisi Hosts African Delegations for Russia-Africa Partnership Forum
A Warm Welcome and Strategic Conversations
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi welcomed ministers and heads of African delegations, alongside representatives from the African Union Commission and various regional organizations, for the second ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum held in Egypt. This significant event was attended by Dr. Badr Abdel-Atty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs.
Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, spokesman for the Presidency, reported that President El-Sisi commenced the gathering with an enthusiastic welcome speech aimed at the participating delegations.
Fostering a Future for Africa
In his address, President El-Sisi engaged in a meaningful dialogue with the attendees, expressing his genuine pleasure at the opportunity to meet. He emphasized his optimism for a brighter future for the African continent. “Africa has an abundance of natural and human resources that equip it for a prominent global position,” he stated, recognizing the various challenges that the continent faces. He pointed out that the real task lies in effectively managing and implementing strategic plans to overcome these obstacles.
Promoting Economic Self-Sufficiency
During the discussions, President El-Sisi highlighted the wealth of livestock in certain African nations, which presents a unique opportunity. He underscored the need to develop a robust meat industry to not only attain self-sufficiency but also to position these countries as exporters of meat products. This initiative could significantly boost the economies of those involved.
Moreover, the President noted that Africa’s rainfall and water resources surpass its needs, provided they are managed and utilized effectively. Proper management of these resources could lead to sustainable development across the continent.
Addressing Stability and Investment Risks
President El-Sisi tackled a critical barrier to African development: stability and security. He argued that the absence of a secure environment remains the foremost challenge in attracting foreign investments. He urged for collective efforts towards attaining security and stability, pointing out that their absence tends to elevate credit risks, deterring potential investors.
His vision extended beyond mere national interests; he stressed that the stability of any African nation should not come at the expense of another, advocating for a collaborative approach towards African unity.
Infrastructure Development as a Priority
Reflecting on Egypt’s leadership within the African Union in 2019, President El-Sisi reiterated the pressing need for adequate infrastructure across African nations. He recalled his discussions with both European and Western leaders at various international forums, where infrastructure development was a primary agenda item. Ensuring that African countries have the necessary infrastructure is pivotal for fostering economic growth and attracting investment.
This ministerial conference not only highlights the importance of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum but also emphasizes the critical discussions around regional cooperation, development strategies, and the future of the continent. President El-Sisi’s dedication to enhancing collaboration among African nations reflects a broader vision poised to drive Africa towards sustainable prosperity.
By nurturing these discussions and focusing on collaboration, African leaders aim to create a resilient framework for growth and stability that can withstand global challenges.
