Wednesday, 27 May 2026
A file photo of Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, Badr Abdelatty
FM: Egypt reaffirms African commitment as President Sisi attends key AU meeting
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s participation in the African Union’s mid-year coordination summit reflects Egypt’s deep commitment to strengthening its relations with fellow African nations, according to statements from Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration.
In an interview with Nile TV, Dr. Abdelatty emphasized the great importance President Sisi attaches to building and intensifying cooperation with African partners.
“This summit is especially significant as it focuses on regional integration—a vital topic, particularly following the recent entry into force of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement,” he explained. He noted that Egypt is actively working to leverage this agreement to expand intra-African trade, ultimately advancing the broader goal of regional integration across the continent.
President Sisi is expected to address the summit in two key capacities. First, as chair of the African Union’s NEPAD steering committee—a body that works to drive the continent’s long-term development agenda—President Sisi will highlight Egypt’s efforts to mobilize funding for the AU’s ambitious Agenda 2063 and support regional integration.
Second, as current chair of the North Africa Standby Force, he will share Egypt’s achievements in bolstering North Africa’s capabilities in peacekeeping and development, particularly as Egypt hosts the headquarters and command center for this regional force.
On the sidelines of the summit, President Sisi is also scheduled for a series of bilateral meetings with several African leaders, underlining Egypt’s ongoing efforts to boost political, economic, and trade cooperation throughout the continent.
In recent months, Cairo has welcomed numerous African heads of state, reflecting Egypt’s increasing role as a hub for African diplomacy and partnership.
Minister Abdelatty also pointed to newly launched initiatives under President Sisi’s direction: Egypt has doubled the budget for the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development; established a $100 million African development fund; and created a new export and investment guarantee agency to encourage Egyptian and African businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.
On a regional political front, Dr. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s continued engagement in working toward a ceasefire in Gaza. Egypt, in coordination with partners in Qatar and the United States, is intensifying diplomatic efforts to reach an urgent breakthrough.
“There is hope for an agreement on the horizon, provided there is serious political will from all sides,” he said. He also referenced Egyptian plans to host an international conference in Cairo on early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza once a ceasefire is achieved, expressing solidarity with the people of Palestine.
The summit, bringing together African Union leaders and regional economic communities, is seen as a crucial opportunity for Egypt and its partners to advance cooperation, development, and peace throughout the continent.