Sisi: Egypt seeking to boost ties with African countries

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has said that Egypt is keen on boosting relations with African countries, the Nile Basin states in particular. 

He stressed the need to renounce disputes and boost cooperation among the Nile Basin countries through establishing more joint projects that would serve the interests of all sides.

Sisi's remarks were made during a meeting Tuesday with a number of water and irrigation ministers of Nile Basin states. 

He met with the water and irrigation ministers of Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan and Burundi, all of whom are here to attend a conference organized by the National Water Research Center (NWRC) on the sustainable management of water.

Egypt's Mohamed Abdel Aati Khalil attended the meeting, as well as ambassadors of countries taking part in the conference.

Sisi told the ministers Egypt is keen on reaching a compromise, where the framework agreement is concerned, said presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef. Meeting halfway would lead to a comprehensive agreement that guarantees water security of all parties, Youssef quoted Sisi as having said. 

The president reiterated Egypt's constant policy of not interfering in domestic affairs of or conspiring against other countries, Youssef said. Sisi stressed that Egypt is focusing on its development process, the spokesman added. 

The Nile Basin ministers were pleased with technical support offered by Egypt for their countries and its pivotal role in boosting cooperation among the Nile Basin states, Youssef said. 

Sisi pressed for action to achieve economic integration and increase trade exchange among the Nile Basin countries, the spokesman added.

Sopurce: MENA