Egyptian Prime Minister Sherif Ismail and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry returned to Cairo on Sunday after participating in the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) in the South African capital, Johannesburg, state-owned media reported. According to foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zaid, during the event, which took place from 2 to 5 December, Shoukry met with his counterparts from Niger, Morocco, Ethiopia, Uganda and South Sudan. Abu Zaid added that Shoukry was keen to meet his counterparts to discuss bilateral relations and to continue discussions on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project. The forum was also an opportunity to discuss the ongoing crisis in South Sudan, for which Egypt is seeking a solution in cooperation with African partners. Ismail gave a speech during the forum in which he expressed his pleasure at participating in the event and praised the forum's efforts over the past six years in enhancing trade between China and African countries. Ismail's speech also focused on the importance of Sino-African cooperation, highlighting the significance of china's role and the importance of its participation in African development projects. He confirmed the importance of developing relations between Egypt and China. The two countries now have 15 joint projects, with a budget of approximately $10m. The projects cover several areas of industry and infrastructure, including electricity and railway stations.
