South Africa's ambassador to Egypt on Tuesday expressed the country's willingness to share expertise with Egypt's interim government and reinforce bilateral cooperation. During a celebration of South Africa's national day, the country's ambassador to Cairo, Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya, said Egypt is facing "major challenges." Sibiya said the national day honors the path South Africans have taken toward democracy and freedom and commemorates the sacrifices Africa and others have made for the sake of liberty. She said South Africa is investing in education and healthcare, as well as other social and economic undertakings, to improve the standard of living for its people. Other countries have also offered assistance to Egypt following its revolution. Earlier this month, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said his country would form a committee to support Egypt on its path to democracy. During her visit to Egypt in late February, EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton expressed the EU's readiness to offer economic and political support.
