Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo on Wednesday to deliver a letter from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. The letter expressed a desire to enhance bilateral cooperation between Egypt and the Congo, with the aim of benefiting both nations, according to a statement. Abdelatty, accompanied by the Congolese Minister of Defence, conveyed El-Sisi's greetings to Sassou Nguesso, highlighting the historical ties between the two countries. Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's dedication to strengthening relations across various sectors. He emphasised the importance of preparations for the second session of the joint committee between Egypt and the Congo. Egypt is prepared to support the Congo in implementing its National Development Plan 2022-2026, with a focus on agriculture, digital transformation, tourism, real estate, industry, and the development of special economic zones, Abdelatty said. He cited Egypt's expertise in these areas, including the management of the Suez Canal Economic Zone and advancements in digitising government services and infrastructure projects. Abdelatty pointed out that Egyptian investments in African countries exceed $14bn. He highlighted the capabilities of Egyptian companies in executing projects in infrastructure, energy, healthcare, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. He reiterated Egypt's commitment to a project supplying the industrial zone in Maluku with drinking water and electricity. The foreign minister stressed the importance of strengthening economic, investment, and trade relations between Egypt and the Congo. He proposed a delegation of Egyptian business leaders visit Brazzaville for an economic forum. Abdelatty also highlighted training programmes offered by the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, and the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development. He affirmed Egypt's commitment to building the capacity of Congolese personnel through expanded training programmes and scholarships, as well as providing medical professionals and sharing expertise in pharmaceutical industries. During the meeting, regional issues of mutual interest were discussed, including the situation in Libya. Abdelatty congratulated Sassou Nguesso on the Libyan reconciliation agreement brokered during the recent African Union summit. Discussions also covered developments in Sudan and efforts to resolve the crisis, as well as developments in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Both parties acknowledged Africa's support for the rights of the Palestinian people. Both sides emphasised the importance of consultation and coordination in international forums, to support each other's nominations for international positions. They agreed to support African Union-endorsed nominations, including Dr Khaled El-Enany's candidacy for Director-General of UNESCO. Sassou Nguesso expressed his appreciation for the relationship between Egypt and the Congo and commended Egypt's role in promoting security and stability in Africa. He asked Abdelatty to convey his greetings to Al-Sisi. Sassou Nguesso reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening economic cooperation to achieve the mutual interests of both nations.
