21-07-2025
Egypt FM in Nigeria for talks on bilateral cooperation, counterterrorism - Foreign Affairs
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Nigerian counterpart Geoffrey Onyeama in Abuja on Monday to discuss regional developments, deepen bilateral relations, and enhance cooperation—particularly in the economic and counterterrorism spheres.
The visit marks the first stop in Abdelatty's tour of five West African countries.
According to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Tamim Khalaf, Abdelatty praised the growing momentum in Egyptian-Nigerian relations and highlighted the third round of political consultations held in Cairo in January 2025—the first at the ministerial level—as a reflection of both countries' desire to elevate ties into a comprehensive partnership.
Abdelatty also reviewed the current cooperation, emphasizing the need to build on the outcomes of the Egyptian-Nigerian Business Forum in Abuja to boost trade and investment across key sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, mining, construction, and information technology.
The Egyptian delegation included representatives from leading companies as well as from the Egyptian Exporters Association, the Federation of Egyptian Industries, the Egypt Future Agency, the Export Council for Medical Industries, and the Mineral Wealth Authority—signalling Cairo's commitment to expanding economic ties.
Counterterrorism cooperation
On the security front, Abdelatty underscored Egypt's readiness to share its counterterrorism expertise by providing advanced field training and support for combating extremist ideologies.
He stressed the importance of rejecting violence, promoting tolerance, and disseminating moderate Islamic values, while noting the key role played by both the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding, and Al-Azhar in supporting Nigeria's fight against radicalization.
Support for UNESCO candidacy
The talks were also attended by Khaled El-Anany, Egypt's candidate for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Abdelatty expressed appreciation for Nigeria's support of El-Anany's candidacy during the 47th session of the African Union Executive Council, calling it a vote of confidence in the Egyptian nominee's qualifications and capacity to represent Africa at the UN cultural agency.
Development aid and regional issues
Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's continued support for Nigerian institutions through the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD), noting that over 570 Nigerians have participated in 260 training programmes offered in cooperation with Egyptian institutions.
The two ministers also exchanged views on regional issues, particularly developments in the Sahel, Horn of Africa, Sudan, Libya, and Somalia.
Discussions focused on efforts to stabilize West Africa and strengthen joint African action within the African Union framework, in light of growing security threats across the continent.
For his part, Onyeama praised Egypt's regional leadership, particularly its efforts in reconstruction, development, and integration. He expressed Nigeria's interest in drawing on Egyptian expertise in infrastructure, technical education, healthcare, and modern agriculture.
The ministers concluded by affirming their commitment to closer coordination within international and regional organizations and mutual support for international nominations.
During his visit, Abdelatty is scheduled to meet senior Nigerian officials, regional bloc representatives, members of the business community, and Egyptian expatriates.
His African tour will continue with visits to Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Senegal.
It follows Egypt's active participation in the African Union Executive Council's 47th Ordinary Session, where President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Abdelatty held multiple meetings with African leaders and officials.
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