(Quoted by the official website of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research)

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Higher Education are organizing an ‘Africa Day’ celebration at Cairo University

On Saturday 23 May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, organized a celebration to mark “Africa Day” at Cairo University, attended by Dr Badr Abdel Atti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad; Dr Abdel Aziz Qanswa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Mr. Hassan Radad, Minister of Labor; Dr Mohamed Sami Abdel-Sadiq, President of Cairo University, and high-level participants including African and foreign ambassadors accredited to Egypt, several public figures, intellectual leaders, academics and media personalities, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Union of the Comoros and the Vice-President of the National Assembly of Senegal as guests of honor.

Furthermore, the ceremony began with the screening of a recorded word by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, in which he emphasized that the African continent now stands on the threshold of a new phase of reconstruction and development, drawing on its immense potential and abundant resources, and above all, on the will and unwavering determination of its people, to maximize the benefits of its wealth. He affirmed that Egypt will remain an active partner in supporting the development and reconstruction efforts of its African nations through the exchange of expertise, the implementation of projects, and openness to cooperation with various international partners, within a framework of mutual respect and shared interests, in order to achieve the priorities of the peoples and nations of the continent.

The ceremony featured a recorded word by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, as well as a documentary film on Egyptian African relations and the progress and momentum they are experiencing across various political, economic, and development sectors. It also included a film on Cairo University’s role in supporting and strengthening relations with African countries, welcoming African students, and supporting educational pathways and capacity-building.

Moreover, Dr. Badr Abdel Atti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad, delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the celebration of Africa Day reflects the depth of the historical ties that bind Egypt to its brothers on the continent. Then, he referred to the directives of His Excellency the President of the Republic to strengthen Egypt’s engagement in Africa and consolidate strategic partnerships with sister African nations. He emphasized that Egypt’s policy towards the continent is based on linking peace, security, and sustainable development, whilst continuing to support capacity building, the transfer of Egyptian expertise, and the implementation of the Africa 2063 Agenda. Furthermore, he noted that Egypt’s success in providing pioneering models of cooperation and development on the continent, foremost among which is the Julius Nyerere Dam project in Tanzania as a model of South–South cooperation, and highlighting the leading role of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in post-conflict reconstruction and development, and noting Egypt’s hosting of the Al-Alamein Africa Forum and the African Union’s Mid-Year Coordination Summit, alongside ongoing preparations to organize the sixth edition of the Aswan Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development, reflecting Egypt’s standing and pivotal role in supporting joint African action.

For his part, Dr Abdulaziz Qanswa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasised that the Egyptian state attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation with African countries in accordance with the directives of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, noting that investment in “the African people” represents the cornerstone of achieving sustainable development in accordance with the Africa 2063 Agenda, and that Egypt will continue to support all that contributes to the advancement of the continent’s peoples and the fulfilment of their aspirations for peace and prosperity.

The Minister of Higher Education explained that the Ministry is working to strengthen academic, research, and cultural ties with various African countries by offering scholarships and supporting African students studying in Egypt through the “Study in Egypt”, as well as providing training programs, capacity-building, and comprehensive support, thereby contributing to the development of African professionals capable of leading development efforts in their own countries.

The Ambassador of Cameroon, in his capacity as Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, also delivered a speech in which he praised the deep historical ties between Egypt and the countries of the continent, as well as Egypt’s active role in supporting African causes and strengthening joint African action. The event saw several dignitaries honored in recognition of their contributions to supporting African relations and strengthening the bonds of cooperation between the people of the continent. The ceremony concluded with a cultural performance by the Aswan troupe, reflecting the cultural and civilizational diversity that characterizes the African continent and its long-standing historical and humanitarian ties.

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