Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said on Sunday that African states have proven over the past year that the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic could not stop the progress of the African agenda. The president's remarks came as he inaugurated in a virtual speech the second edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development. The second edition of the Aswan forum, which is organised under the theme "Shaping Africa's new normal: Recovering stronger, rebuilding better” kicked off virtually today with the participation of various African leaders. The president highlighted in his speech that the serious economic and social impacts of the coronavirus pandemic have contributed to exacerbating the dangers facing the continent. El-Sisi also reiterated the African demand on the international community to ensure the fair distribution of the coronavris vaccine worldwide. He called on fellow African leaders to unify efforts to support the African mechanisms which aim to prevent or settle conflicts in the continent, and to enhance various states' capabilities in facing ongoing threats. More to follow