Luanda: 'Egypt views the African Union Extraordinary Summit in Angola as an opportunity to strengthen the continent's ability to prevent conflicts and build sustainable peace,' Egyptian Ambassador to Angola Neveen el Husseiny said on Saturday.

According to State Information Service Egypt, el Husseiny stated that Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's participation in the summit would present Egypt's position on peace, security, post-conflict reconstruction, and development across Africa. She emphasized that approximately 40% of the world's conflicts occur in Africa, leading to significant humanitarian, economic, and security challenges. El Husseiny highlighted Egypt's belief that the African Union should prioritize preventing disputes from escalating into armed conflicts, rather than only reacting after violence breaks out.

The ambassador stressed that lasting peace is closely linked to development. She mentioned that ending a conflict should be followed by efforts to rebuild state institutions and infrastructure, create jobs, and improve healthcare and other essential services. El Husseiny also pointed out Egypt's support for African-led solutions to the continent's challenges and emphasized the importance of closer cooperation among African countries on peace, reconstruction, economic integration, and development.

In terms of bilateral relations, el Husseiny noted that Egypt and Angola have expanded their cooperation in recent years, particularly in areas such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, fertilizers, infrastructure, and capacity building. She mentioned President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's visit to Angola in June 2023 and the Angolan president's visit to Egypt last year. Furthermore, the two countries held their first joint committee meeting in December as they aim to enhance investment and economic cooperation.