El-Alamein:President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the plenary of the 8th African Union (AU) Mid-Year Coordination Meeting, serving as the Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting convened in the Arab Republic of Egypt, where African leaders discussed key priorities such as regional integration, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), infrastructure development, and peace and security challenges. The agenda included implementing the division of labor between the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and Member States to enhance peace, security, and economic cooperation.
Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, emphasized the importance of the meeting for cooperation between the AU, RECs, and Regional Mechanisms. He noted the necessity for Africa to strengthen its capacity to address challenges in peace, security, and socio-economic development amidst a changing global environment. Youssouf highlighted the need for political commitment and effective implementation of Agenda 2063 frameworks.
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt welcomed the delegates, stressing the importance of moving Africa towards greater integration and implementing projects with tangible benefits for the continent's citizens.
On the sidelines of the meeting, President Ramaphosa held bilateral discussions with Chairperson Youssouf and President El-Sisi to explore mutual interests and strengthen cooperation between South Africa and Egypt, focusing on African development and regional collaboration.
