Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty and President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission Omar Alieu Touray reviewed ways to promote joint cooperation and coordination in various areas of mutual interest.

According to State Information Service Egypt, during a meeting on the margins of the 2nd ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Cairo, the two sides also shared views on the growing security challenges in West Africa and the Sahel region, particularly the spread of terrorist groups and cross-border organized crime. Abdelatty and Touray emphasized the importance of intensifying regional and international coordination and cooperation to support regional efforts towards promoting security and stability and addressing the political, economic, and social root causes of these challenges.

Abdelatty affirmed his keenness to strengthen cooperation with ECOWAS, particularly on issues of peace and security in the Sahel region, and to follow up on the implementation of the outcomes of his tour of West Africa and the Sahel region in July. During his tour, he met with the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. He expressed Egypt's appreciation for ECOWAS's pivotal role in supporting stability and development in West Africa.

Minister Abdelatty stated that Egypt is ready to share its expertise in combating terrorism and extremism with ECOWAS officials. He applauded the progress made by the bloc in launching a free trade area among its members and granting citizens of member states freedom of movement and work. Egypt attaches top priority to promoting trade and investment between Egypt and ECOWAS member states, exploring ways to leverage the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, and increasing Egyptian companies' involvement in infrastructure projects in ECOWAS countries, noted the foreign minister.

In the same vein, Abdelatty hailed the decision to launch the ECOWAS Business Council, expressing Egypt's interest in establishing a partnership with the new council. This could include exploring the possibility of organizing a joint business forum with the participation of major companies from both sides.