Egypt launches fast-track lanes at Cairo Airport for African Union nationals
Egypt has launched fast-track entry lanes at Cairo International Airport exclusively dedicated to African Union nationals to ease their entry and reinforce growing ties with Africa, according to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on Thursday.
The initiative was unveiled in a ceremony at the airport to mark Africa Day, which commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963.
Representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as several African ambassadors to Egypt, attended the event.
Assistant Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Ihab Awad said the launch is part of the government's efforts to respond to the increasing flow of African visitors to Egypt, facilitate their entry, and improve their reception at the country's main international gateway.
"This is one of many steps currently being undertaken by state institutions to reinforce Egypt's African identity," Awad added.
He noted that the move reflects Cairo's commitment to deepening relations with African partners and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Ambassador Awad highlighted Egypt's growing outreach "through sectors such as medical and conference tourism, as well as expanding scholarships for African students in Egypt."
'These steps also contribute to supporting African cooperation in the face of common challenges,' he affirmed.
Africa Day, formerly known as African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day, is celebrated annually on 25 May to commemorate the founding of the OAU, which was succeeded by the African Union in 2002.
Despite institutional transition, the date continues to symbolize African unity and solidarity.
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