Written by: Badr Ahmed

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad, in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, organized a celebration on the occasion of Africa Day at the headquarters of Cairo University, in the presence of Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad, Dr. Abdel-Aziz Qansouh, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel-Sadek, President of Cairo University, and a high-level participation that included African and foreign ambassadors accredited to Egypt, a number of public figures, thought leaders, academics and media figures, in addition to the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Union of the Comoros, and the Vice President of the National Assembly of Senegal as guests of honor.

The celebration began with a recorded speech by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, in which he stressed that the African continent stands today on the threshold of a new stage of construction and development, based on its enormous potential and rich resources, and before that, on the will of its peoples and their firm determination to maximize the benefit from their wealth. He emphasized that Egypt will remain an active partner in supporting the development and construction process in sister African countries through the exchange of experiences, the implementation of projects, and openness to cooperation with various international partners, within a framework of mutual respect and common interests, in order to achieve the priorities of the peoples and countries of the continent.

The celebration included a recorded speech by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, as well as the screening of a documentary about Egyptian-African relations and their development and momentum in various political, economic and developmental fields, in addition to a film about the role of Cairo University in supporting and strengthening relations with African countries, hosting African students and supporting education pathways and capacity building.

Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad, delivered a speech in which he stressed that the celebration of Africa Day reflects the depth of the historical ties that unite Egypt with its brothers on the continent, pointing to the directives of the President of the Republic to enhance Egyptian engagement in Africa and consolidate strategic partnerships with sister African countries.

He stressed that Egypt’s policy towards the continent is based on linking peace, security and sustainable development, while continuing to support capacity building, transferring Egyptian expertise and implementing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, noting Egypt’s success in presenting pioneering models of cooperation and development on the continent, most notably the Julius Nyerere Dam project in Tanzania as a model of South-South cooperation, noting the pioneering role of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in the reconstruction and development file after conflicts, and pointing to Egypt’s hosting of the El Alamein Africa Forum and the African Union’s mid-year coordination summit, in addition to the ongoing preparations to organize the sixth edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, which reflects Egypt’s status and pivotal role in supporting joint African action.

For his part, Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansouh, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, affirmed that the Egyptian state pays great attention to strengthening cooperation with African countries in implementation of the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, noting that investment in the African human being represents the basic pillar for achieving sustainable development in accordance with the African Agenda 2063.

Egypt will remain committed to supporting all efforts that contribute to the advancement of the continent's peoples and the realization of their aspirations for peace and prosperity. He explained that the Ministry is working to strengthen academic, research, and cultural ties with various African countries by offering scholarships and supporting incoming African students through the "Study in Egypt" initiative, as well as providing training, capacity-building, and comprehensive support programs. This contributes to developing African leaders capable of driving development efforts in their respective countries.

Praise for Egypt's role in supporting the continent's issues and sustainable development

The Cameroonian ambassador, in his capacity as Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, delivered a speech praising the deep historical ties that bind Egypt to the countries of the continent, and Egypt's active role in supporting African issues and strengthening joint African action. The event also included honoring a number of prominent figures in recognition of their contributions to supporting African relations and enhancing cooperation among the peoples of the continent. The celebration concluded with an artistic performance by the Aswan Ensemble, reflecting the cultural and civilizational diversity that characterizes the African continent and its enduring historical and human connections.