Egypt’s Sisi to Chair Coordination Summit in Niamey

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi will chair a coordination summit in Niamey, the capital of Niger today, Monday.

Sisi affirmed Egypt’s support for Niger, pointing out to the importance of strengthening the international efforts to combat terrorism, which is a common challenge for the two countries

The meeting will be attended by the leaders of African countries and heads of African blocs, including COMESA, the East African Community ECA, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and Southern African Development Community (IGAD).

The Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), Community of Sahel-Saharan States also will attend the event.

They will discuss integration frameworks with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement launched at the African Extraordinary Summit on Tuesday.

African economic blocs will present their vision for the implementation of the continental agreement signed by 54 countries and entered into force on May 30.

Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the AU Commission praised the official launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a "historic moment".

Faki said: “AfCFTA`s official launch represented an important step towards achieving the goals set out in the AU 2063 agenda.” The rapid inauguration of AfCFTA is a pride for the continent.

He added: “AfCFTA is an effective way of promoting industrialization and integration with the goals and aspirations of the 2063 Agenda."