President Sisi said the execution of the African Standby Force’s missions — including those of North African Regional Capability (NARC) — in supporting conflict prevention efforts, rapid crisis response, in addition to peacekeeping and peacebuilding, requires close coordination with the African Union (AU) Commission and the various geographic regions.

It also requires sustainable funding for NARC activities, particularly as regards capacity building in a way that helps ensure full readiness whenever needed, he added.

Sisi said NARC has made positive progress in this regard, noting that meetings of the chiefs of staff and ministers of defense, held in Cairo earlier this year, approved an activity and program plan, developed a path for NARC financial and administrative reform, and reviewed and updated operational procedures in a way that helps achieve financial sustainability and enhance planning and spending efficiency.

He also highlighted that NARC’s Executive Secretariat, with its planning, training, and evaluation units, has been making commendable efforts within the region to enhance operational readiness.

This has culminated in fulfilling the final requirements for NARC’s full readiness through the execution of a field exercise in the sisterly nation of Algeria with a view to achieving coordination and coherence among the military, police, and civilians in addition to fostering a deeper understanding of their roles in any peace mission they may be assigned, Sisi said.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian leader expressed his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.

He also expressed sincere gratitude to Angolan President Joao Lourenco for his wise leadership of joint African action. (MENA)

I S N/R E E