CAIRO, Dec 27 (MENA) - Egypt has expressed its gratitude to Gabon for a decision to withdraw its candidacy for the UNESCO director-general position in support of the Egyptian nominee.

The announcement came in a joint statement issued Friday during the visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty to Libreville.

The statement highlighted that, upon a kind invitation of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema made a working and friendship visit to Cairo from November 28 to 30, 2024. During the visit, the two presidents held fruitful discussions, exchanging views on pressing international issues related to Africa's development and enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Under the presidents' directives, the Egyptian foreign minister visited Libreville Friday, accompanied by Egypt’s candidate for the UNESCO Director-General position Khaled El-Enany.

During a meeting with President Nguema, the Egyptian delegation emphasized the strong brotherly ties and cooperation between the two nations and reiterated Egypt's commitment to strengthening relations, particularly in political, security, economic, and developmental domains.

Egypt affirmed its readiness to enhance cooperation through its relevant agencies, including the Egyptian Agency for Partnership for Development, the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding, and the Egyptian Diplomatic Institute.

Both sides expressed their aspirations to increase Egyptian investments in Gabon, focusing on infrastructure, energy, water resources, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, aligning with Gabon’s comprehensive development goals.

The Egyptian delegation congratulated Gabon on the successful adoption of its new constitution via a referendum and pledged support for the transitional phase and efforts to restore Gabon's membership in African Union institutions.

The discussions also reflected the alignment of views on continental and global issues, particularly regarding African cooperation for peace in regions like the Great Lakes, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa. Both sides also stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The two countries agreed to coordinate efforts within international organizations, especially UNESCO, given their rich cultural and historical heritage. Gabon officially declared its support for Enany's candidacy for 2025-2029, reflecting Africa's legitimate aspirations within the organization.

The two sides agreed to hold a new round of bilateral consultations in Cairo at a mutually agreed date through diplomatic channels. (MENA)

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