Egypt, a full member of Sahel and Sahara Grouping
Egypt, Politics, 2/13/2001

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa congratulated, on behalf of President Hosni Mubarak, Sudanese President Omar Bashir on his re-election for a second term in office.

Moussa also congratulated Bashir on being chosen as President of the third session of the Sahel and Sahara Grouping Presidential Council.

Addressing the opening session of the grouping summit Moussa appreciated the acceptance of Egypt as a full member in the Sahel and Sahara Grouping.

Moussa lauded ties binding his country and the rest of the gathering member states.

Moussa also praised the Libyan initiative on the establishment of the grouping, vowing that Egypt will offer its technical expertise to promote the role of the secretariat general.

"We believe that the membership of Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria and Somalia would contribute to promoting inter-Sahel and Sahara cooperation," said Moussa.

"Egypt will contribute in a positive manner to the activation of the Sahel and Sahara gathering," he stressed.

"This summit comes amidst challenges facing Africa in all domains in such a globalized world of mega blocs, a matter that necessitates integration," said Moussa.

"We realize that it is a tough task as African countries are still suffering domestic problems, heavy debts and a need for hi-tech communication networks," Moussa made it clear.

Moussa underlined the need to promoting the role of the private sector and civil society for a better future as well as enhancing security among member states of the gathering.

He called for solving issues of refugees, desertification and AIDs, noting that Africa will be able to eliminate them when it demonstrates its sincere will.

"Integration and self-reliance are the keys for boosting our security, stability and economy," said Moussa.

"Egypt's joining of the Sahel and Sahara gathering and COMESA as well as its contribution to the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) mirror a keen desire in standing up to the challenges and realizing its aspirations for progress, development and stability," he added.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco attends COMESSA summit   (2/12/2001)
  King Mohammed sends message to Sudanese president   (2/12/2001)
  Youssoufi in Sudan's summit of Sahel and Sahara community   (2/10/2001)

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