Cairo: Egypt reaffirmed its full support for Burundi during its upcoming chairmanship of the African Union (AU) in 2026, emphasizing the importance of joint coordination and consultation on African affairs, particularly regarding institutional reform within AU bodies, as a key measure to enhance their efficiency and enable them to perform their mandates effectively.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the remarks were made during a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and Burundi's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and Development Cooperation Edward Bizimana. The two officials discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate positions on issues of mutual interest. Abdelatty congratulated his Burundian counterpart on assuming his new post, expressing Egypt's interest in continuing communication and consultation to advance bilateral relations and achieve shared interests, underpinned by the long-standing historical and fraternal ties between the two nations.

He also praised the cooperation of Egyptian companies operating in Burundi in the fields of construction and engineering. On water security, Abdelatty underscored the importance of cooperation and integration in the Nile Basin to achieve mutual benefits, highlighting the need to uphold the spirit of consensus and fraternal relations among Nile Basin countries, particularly in the South Nile Basin, to restore inclusivity under the Nile Basin Initiative and reject unilateral actions in the Eastern Nile.

The minister welcomed steps taken under the consultative process approved by the Nile Basin Initiative's ministerial council to restore inclusivity, consensus, and implement development projects that serve shared interests in accordance with international law, protecting the rights of all basin countries. He stressed that institutional reform should proceed systematically, gradually, transparently, and inclusively, with participation from all member states.

Regarding regional issues, the two ministers exchanged views on promoting peace, security, and development across Africa, with particular focus on the Great Lakes region. They agreed to maintain coordination between the two countries in regional and international forums to safeguard shared interests and fulfill the aspirations of both brotherly peoples.