Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said the global economic slowdown has forced African nations to consider rationalisation of expenditure and to commit to following accurate supervisory systems, according to a statement released by the presidency.
During his participation in the 26th Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit, Al-Sisi added that Egypt will collaborate with nations in the African Union (AU) so as to support the development programmes.
Al-Sisi emphasised the need to obtain more funds to work on the developmental programme in order to reach the goals of the “Africa 2063” strategy. He added that the AU should ensure that participating members cover peacekeeping missions, and set in motion the principle of “African ownership”, which aims for Africa to be responsible for its own future without any foreign funding.
The AU’s Peace and Security Council discussed Friday the efforts to combat terrorism in the continent.
Al-Sisi highlighted the importance of enforcing African counter-terrorism efforts especially after “groups began using more complex strategies”.
He also urged AU nations to support governments fighting terrorism “as the breakdown of those countries would affect the security of the entire world”, noting that it is vital to prevent these groups from using the Internet as a tool for recruitment.
Economic and social aspects must be considered in counter-terrorism, rather than only from a military standpoint, according to Al-Sisi.
Al-Sisi also met with the presidents of Kenya and Somalia and the vice president of Burundi and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations.
The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, called on Al-Sisi to review the latest developments in the implementation of the peace treaty signed with North Sudan in August 2015.
Al-Sisi stated that Egypt supports the government of South Sudan, underlining their special relationship and shared history.
He stressed that Egypt encourages efforts by all parties to establish a transitional government as early as possible, paving the way for the restoration of security and stability in South Sudan.
Furthermore, Al-Sisi emphasised Egypt’s support of development efforts in South Sudan, and expressed confidence in the wisdom of the country’s leaders to overcome the past obstacles and move forward to realise economic and social development.
