Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire on Monday explored ways to elevate relations to a comprehensive partnership, in line with the directives of their political leaderships. In a meeting between Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty and Ivorian Foreign Minister Leon Kacou Adom in Cairo on Monday, both sides reviewed opportunities for cooperation in politics, economy and trade, as well as key sectors such as livestock and fisheries, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, health, transport and air services. Egypt also expressed readiness to support a project to establish an Ivorian institute for diplomatic studies. A joint communique released at the conclusion of the talks showed that the meetings saw the signing of an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports, along with discussions on enhancing consular cooperation. The two sides exchanged views on developments in the Sahel and West Africa, the situation in Gaza and Egypt's efforts to broker a ceasefire, as well as the latest in Libya, Sudan and the Nile water file. On international cooperation, Côte d'Ivoire reaffirmed its support for the candidacy of Khaled El Anany for the post of UNESCO director-general, while Egypt reiterated its backing for Côte d'Ivoire's candidate for deputy director-general of the Universal Postal Union's International Bureau. The two countries agreed on the importance of holding business forums alongside political consultations to boost economic and trade relations, and decided to hold the fourth round of consultations in Abidjan in 2026. Abdel-Aty highlighted the capabilities and expertise of Egyptian companies in supporting African development projects, including road and bridge construction and localisation of pharmaceutical industries. Abdel-Aty reaffirmed Egypt's strong interest in achieving security and stability in the Sahel and West Africa, given the regional impact of instability and its effect on Egyptian national security. The discussions also covered developments in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, and ways to promote peace, security and stability across Africa. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
