Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and his Malian counterpart Abdoulaye Diop discussed security developments in the Sahel, counterterrorism efforts, and ways to strengthen bilateral relations during a phone call on Saturday.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty expressed Egypt's commitment to expanding cooperation with Mali and developing relations between the two countries. The talks focused on security challenges in the Sahel and efforts to combat terrorism in West Africa. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's support for counterterrorism efforts in both regions.

He called for a comprehensive strategy combining security measures with economic and development programs to address terrorism and contribute to greater stability in the Sahel and across Africa. The two ministers also discussed efforts to promote peace, security, and development across the continent.

Abdelatty and Diop agreed to increase coordination between Egypt and Mali at bilateral and multilateral levels and expand cooperation in areas of common interest. They also agreed to build on existing political and development cooperation to advance shared interests and support stability and development across Africa.