Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, on Friday met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia, Mr. Serigne Modou Njie, on the sidelines of the African Union Summit to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate positions on issues of common interest.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Minister Abdelatty expressed Egypt's keenness to continue supporting and developing bilateral relations between the two countries, emphasizing the desire to convene the Joint Committee between the two countries as soon as possible.

Abdelatty stressed the importance of enhancing economic cooperation and increasing the volume of trade and investment between the two countries, with the involvement of the private sector in supporting trade and investment. He affirmed Egypt's readiness to meet the needs of the Gambian side, particularly in the fields of construction, energy, and infrastructure, in addition to strengthening security cooperation.

Minister Badr Abdelatty also expressed Egypt's desire for Egyptian companies to participate in implementing development plans in The Gambia.

In the same context, Minister Abdelatty emphasized the commitment to continuing capacity-building programs for personnel through initiatives organized by the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding, as well as training courses at the Institute of Diplomatic Studies for young Gambian diplomats.

The meeting also addressed avenues for academic cooperation between the University of The Gambia and Al-Azhar University, particularly in the fields of medicine and engineering, and the provision of training grants for faculty members.

Furthermore, the two ministers exchanged views on regional developments in Africa, especially in the Sahel region, and discussed ways to establish stability, security, and development.

The two top diplomats agreed to continue coordination and consultation to strengthen bilateral relations and elevate them to broader horizons in order to achieve shared interests.