President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with his Gabonese counterpart, Ali Bongo, in Cairo on Thursday to discuss bilateral cooperation in economic and developmental fields. Al-Sisi said, during a joint press conference between him and Bongo: "Today's talks are an opportunity for both countries to review their bilateral relations in several fields. This requires increased efforts especially, in the trade sector and private sector cooperation between both countries." The Egyptian president further highlighted the importance of cooperation in the healthcare sector, referring to the planned Egyptian-Gabonese hospital, which is expected to serve many citizens from both nations upon its foundation in Gabon. The duo signed five memoranda of understanding (MOUs) in the fields of politics, education, culture, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, Bongo said the talks with Al-Sisi reflected a proximity in the views of the two countries towards regional and international affairs of common interest. "The agreements made today will bolster the ties between both countries," he said, adding that Egypt is a great economic power in Africa. The Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries in the Federation of Egyptian Industries said it is considering forming a coalition that will include Egyptian companies with the aim of establishing a pharmaceutical plant in Gabon. Chamber Chairman Ahmed El-Ezaby said Wednesday they met with a delegation from Gabon in January, wherein the latter offered to provide facilities for the procedures of obtaining land and registering pharmaceuticals. The delegation also offered financial assistance to accelerate the implementation of the project.
