OPEN// Diplomats: Sisi's presence at AU summit shows Egypt's support for regional unity
In statements to MENA, they added that President Sisi's remarks at the summit reaffirmed Egypt's role in supporting development and stability across the continent, and its active engagement within African Union frameworks.
Former assistant foreign minister Mona Omar said that Sisi's attendance showed that Africa remains at the heart of Egypt's foreign policy, despite ongoing regional crises. She noted that Sisi's presence among just 16 attending leaders was a strong signal of Egypt's commitment.
She added that Sisi represented Egypt not only as president, but also as head of NEPAD, which Egypt will continue chairing until 2026, and the North Africa Regional Capability, which deals with serious security challenges in Libya, Sudan, and the Sahel.
For his part, former assistant foreign minister Salah Halima stated that Egypt plays a big role in pushing African development through NEPAD, particularly in areas like regional trade, industrial growth, and cross-border infrastructure. He cited the Cairo–Cape Town road and the Victoria–Mediterranean link as priority projects.
He called for more African support for the North Africa Regional Capability based in Cairo, which focuses on peace and crisis response.
Meanwhile, former deputy foreign minister Ali El Hefny noted that the summit was especially important as the continent faces economic, security, and climate challenges.
He added that Egypt is working with African states on four main fronts: counterterrorism and migration, political coordination and conflict resolution, economic development, and social cooperation in education, health, and climate action.
Hefny affirmed that Egypt's leadership role in both development and regional security was evident throughout the summit, and that recent bilateral meetings with African leaders reflect Cairo's intent to expand cooperation and overcome barriers to growth across the continent. (MENA)
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