Cairo: H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, has emphasized the importance of bolstering cooperation and integration among African countries to foster a shared economic future. This statement was made during an expanded meeting with ambassadors from seven African countries-Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Cameroon, Uganda, and Senegal-held during the First Egyptian-African Economic Conference. The conference, organized by 'Al-Ahram Hebdo' newspaper, focused on the theme 'The Africa We Want: Integration and Partnership for the Future.'

According to African Press Organization, the meeting addressed efforts to advance development across the continent and strengthen the relationships between Egypt and other African nations. Discussions centered on overcoming challenges facing the continent, promoting infrastructure projects, increasing trade exchanges, and fostering partnerships between private sectors.

Minister Al-Mashat reiterated President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's commitment to enhancing cooperation with African countries, emphasizing joint African action as crucial for overcoming conflicts and establishing a development model based on mutual expertise exchange. She highlighted the continent's potential as an economic bloc rich in resources, and Egypt's dedication to resolving disputes that hinder development.

Dr. Al-Mashat also underscored the vital role of the Egyptian private sector in infrastructure projects across Africa, such as the Cairo-Cape Town project, and the importance of sharing Egypt's development expertise. She mentioned Joint Committees as innovative mechanisms for exploring cooperation, citing the recent Egyptian-Algerian Joint Committee meeting.

The Minister referenced the continent's potential as a renewable energy hub and Egypt's collaboration with the World Bank to make renewable energy accessible to 300 million Africans. She acknowledged the role of the African Development Bank and other institutions in advocating for private sector involvement.

As Egypt's Governor at international financial institutions, Dr. Al-Mashat noted the growing global interest in collaborating with Africa. She highlighted the Ministry's launch of a South-South and Triangular Cooperation Strategy to expand development solutions and partnerships.

The African ambassadors voiced appreciation for President El-Sisi's efforts to promote African unity and address continental challenges. They also commended Minister Al-Mashat's economic diplomacy efforts and proposed initiatives to enhance tourism, education, health, communications, and expertise exchange across African nations.