CAIRO, Jan 3 (MENA) - President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni reaffirmed the deep historical ties between Egyptian and Ugandan peoples.

During a phone call Friday, the two leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening mutual cooperation and exploring broader horizons for bilateral relations across the various fields to serve interests of the two brotherly nations, given their pivotal roles in Africa, especially in fostering coordination among Nile Basin countries.

The two presidents also discussed the situation in East Africa and the Horn of Africa.

Sisi highlighted Egypt's efforts to support Sudan in overcoming its crisis and advancing a ceasefire.

He stressed the importance of protecting the Sudanese people from the ravages of war and facilitating humanitarian aid, a stance appreciated by Museveni.

The call also touched on developments in Somalia as both presidents expressed their commitment to the country's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, underlining the need for coordination on the role of the African Union's new mission in supporting the Somali government.

The conversation addressed Uganda's upcoming hosting of the African Union's extraordinary summit on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program.

Sisi emphasized the need to develop African policies that support agricultural industries, empower small-scale farmers, women and youth and facilitate their access to financing and markets.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging digital technologies to keep pace with advancements in the agricultural sector. (MENA)

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