Shoukry: Egypt Ready for Assisting DR Congo in AU Chairmanship

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry asserted on Wednesday Egypt’s readiness to assist the Democratic Republic of Congo during its upcoming chairmanship of the African Union; in light of distinguished relations between the two countries.

Shoukry made the remarks during his meeting with the coordinator of the working group concerned with the Congolese chairmanship of the African Union in 2021, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.

Shoukry affirmed the importance of maintaining bilateral coordination to achieve concrete and specific results, which he said can push forward the joint African action in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, including the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

[caption id="attachment_188264" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Shoukry and The Congolese Coordinator[/caption]

The foreign minister also underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation to eradicate the coronavirus pandemic and confront the economic and social challenges it has posed.

The meeting comes within the framework of DR Congo’s preparations for its upcoming chairmanship of the African Union, and its keenness to benefit from the successful Egyptian experience in this regard after President Sisi assumed the chair of the African Union in 2019.

[caption id="attachment_188265" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Part of Shoukry's Today's Meeting[/caption]

The meeting also touched on historical relations between Egypt and DR Congo, means of bolstering them in all fields, in addition to the latest regional developments and their impact on the continent’s peace and security.