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Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio on Thursday held productive bilateral talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, focusing on strengthening cooperation and addressing critical regional issues.
President El-Sisi warmly welcomed President Bio to Egypt, emphasizing the “historical, brotherly relations” between the two nations, which have fostered constructive cooperation since the 1960s. During the discussions, both leaders expressed a mutual commitment to deepening collaboration across various sectors to drive development and improve the lives of their respective populations.
Key areas of focus included capacity-building in agriculture and irrigation, infrastructure development, fisheries, and food security. Both presidents underscored the importance of accelerating economic and investment relations to unlock their full potential.
A significant portion of the talks centered on Sierra Leone’s role as chair of the African Union’s Committee of Ten (C-10), which advocates for Africa’s unified stance on the expansion and reform of the UN Security Council. President El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s unwavering support for the common African position, as outlined in the “Ezulwini Consensus” and the “Sirte Declaration,” stressing the necessity of securing a permanent seat for Africa on the UN Security Council. He highlighted the importance of maintaining the C-10’s cohesion and its crucial role in defending Africa’s interests.
Regional security issues, particularly the situations in West Africa and the Sahel region, were also addressed. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to reinforcing stability in the Sahel and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to combating terrorism, encompassing both military solutions and addressing the root causes of the problem.
Discussions extended to the Horn of Africa, with both leaders agreeing on the imperative to respect national sovereignty and safeguard stability in the region. The Nile Water issue was also discussed, with President El-Sisi reiterating its existential importance to Egypt and the need for consensus among Nile Basin countries.
The leaders also addressed the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip, calling for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, the resumption of dialogue, and a return to negotiations to achieve a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
Following the meeting, President Bio expressed his satisfaction on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I had a productive meeting with my esteemed friend, His Excellency President Abdelfattah Elsisi of Egypt. We reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing our bilateral relationship through collaboration in the agricultural sector and other areas of mutual interest.”
Both leaders pledged to continue coordination and consultations between Cairo and Freetown on various issues of common interest, signaling a strengthened partnership for the benefit of their nations and the African continent.
