Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said on Monday that the environmental issues and challenges are a major part of our daily concerns. He added that climate change is one of the most pressing issues which poses a direct threat to all of humanity.
During his speech before the session about climate, biodiversity, and oceans at the G7 Summit in France, the president said that Africa remains the most affected by the impacts of climate change, although its greenhouse gas emissions account for only a fraction of the total global emissions.
Al-Sisi also announced Egypt accession to the Metz Charter on Biodiversity.
Al-Sisi stressed the necessity of upholding the principle of “shared but differentiated burden responsibility” in addressing climate change, and the importance of balancing emissions reduction efforts with climate change adaptation.
He also pointed out the importance of providing sustainable and appropriate financing for developing countries to combat climate change, along with providing means of implementation of digital transformation and capacity building. He noted that no additional burdens would be imposed on African countries.
The president pointed out that Egypt has spared no effort during its presidency over the Group of 77 and China in 2018, and the UN’s African Group in the climate negotiations, to succeed in the process of activating the Paris Agreement. He added that Egypt is co-chairing with the United Kingdom, the alliance of “adaptability and endurance” at the United Nation’s Climate Action Summit next month.
Moreover, Al-Sisi met with US President Donald Trump and discussed combating terrorism, on the sidelines of his participation at the G7 summit.
During which Trump expressed his full support for the Egyptian endeavours in this regard, praising also Al-Sisi’s efforts to promote principles and values of religious tolerance and freedom of worship in Egypt, according to a statement from the presidency.
Al-Sisi stressed the importance of collective efforts of the international community to undermine the threat of terrorism and limit all forms of support for such organisations, whether money, weapons or individuals.
The meeting also dealt with developments of various regional and international issues of common concern, including the Palestinian Cause which Al-Sisi stressed the necessity of finding a fair and comprehensive solution based on the international legitimacy references and resolutions.
He said that this would contribute to restoring stability and opening new horizons for the benefit of all the peoples of the Middle East.
For his part, Trump expressed his country’s desire to further boost bilateral relations. Trump also pointed out to Egypt’s success in implementing the economic reform programme.
Both presidents agreed on the importance of finding political solutions to the crises in Libya and Syria.
Also in France, Al-Sisi met with the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. “The two leaders agreed on the strength of the bilateral relationship and committed to developing a modern, strategic partnership between our countries,” according to the statement of the UK foreign ministry.
Al-Sisi and Johnson expressed their shared desire to strengthen economic, trade and security cooperation between Egypt and the UK.
