Aswan: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty on Monday held a trilateral meeting with Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop and Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Karamoko Jean-Marie, as they discussed regional issues of common concern and means of cementing bilateral cooperation in the areas of development, security, and investment. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the fifth edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, which is currently taking place in Aswan, Upper Egypt.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty lauded the depth of relations between Egypt and Mali and Burkina Faso, stressing Cairo's keenness to strengthen ties with both countries in different fields, in a way that achieves their shared interests. The top Egyptian diplomat called for expanding trade exchange and intensifying direct communication between business communities in the three countries, while opening up new prospects for Egyptian companies to invest in the sectors of infrastructure, energy, transport, and health in Mali and Burkina Faso.

Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's full support for the efforts made by Mali and Burkina Faso to combat terrorism and promote stability and security, highlighting the growing security and military cooperation, as well as capacity-building programs implemented by Egyptian institutions for national cadres in both African nations. He highlighted the programs carried out by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding (CCCPA).

The foreign minister praised Al-Azhar's role in promoting the values of tolerance, advancing a moderate religious discourse, and strengthening cultural and religious ties. Abdelatty further expressed Egypt's appreciation for the supportive positions of Mali and Burkina Faso in international forums, affirming Cairo's commitment to maintaining trilateral coordination and consultation on regional and international issues of common concern, in a manner that reinforces security, stability, and development in the Sahel and West Africa.