Both leaders also focused during the talks on President Lourenço’s insightful vision for his country’s presidency of the African Union during the current year and exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest in the African arena, including the Horn of Africa, Sudan, combating terrorism and the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to President Sisi.

“In this regard, I would like to specifically express my profound appreciation for the pivotal role His Excellency President Lourenço assumed in the mediation efforts concerning the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” Sisi said.

The two sides underscored during the joint talks the importance of upholding unified African positions on diverse international issues, and ensuring equitable representation for Africa within international institutions, particularly within the context of ongoing endeavors to reform and expand the UN Security Council, the president further said.

They agreed on the need for accelerating the AU’s institutional reform process, he told reporters.

The talks also addressed the situation in Gaza, economic challenges, water scarcity, and climate change, he noted.

“Our deliberations reflected a convergence of views on these matters and we agreed to continue close coordination and joint consultation between Cairo and Luanda across various regional and international fora,” Sisi said.

“It gave me immense pleasure to meet with you today. I reaffirm Egypt’s steadfast commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Republic of Angola for the good of our countries, peoples, as well as our African continent. Once again, I extend a warm welcome to you and your esteemed delegation to Egypt, your second home. It is my sincere wish that your visit will be both successful and fruitful, bringing further progress and development to our peoples,” Sisi added. (MENA)

K F E/R E E