Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty emphasized the significance of boosting cooperation and integration among Nile-basin countries to achieve mutual benefit and shared interests. The announcement was made during a phone call with Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty highlighted that the discussions centered on strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating on issues of mutual interest. This aligns with directives from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Kenyan President William Ruto ahead of an upcoming African Union summit.

Regarding water security, Abdelatty stressed the importance of maintaining consensus and opposing unilateral actions in the Nile Basin. He welcomed consultative steps approved by the Nile Basin Initiative's ministerial council, aimed at restoring inclusivity and advancing development projects in accordance with international law.

He acknowledged the growing momentum in Egypt-Kenya relations and advocated for increased economic, trade, and investment cooperation, particularly in the fields of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, construction, and information technology.

Abdelatty proposed boosting Egyptian and Kenyan investments in these sectors to enhance bilateral trade and create new development opportunities. He noted that Egyptian companies are well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the Kenyan market, especially in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and industry, leveraging their extensive expertise to contribute to comprehensive development in Kenya.

The ministers also concurred on the necessity of ongoing coordination on regional and continental issues, particularly in preparation for the next meeting of the steering committee of the AU Development Agency (NEPAD), which is currently chaired by Egypt.