Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stressed Egypt's keenness on cementing its historical ties with Zambia and enhancing mutual cooperation in different domains.

The president made his statements on Thursday during a meeting with his Zambian counterpart Hakainde Hichilema on the fringe of the 22nd Summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in the Zambian capital Lusaka.

Sisi reiterated that Egypt is also keen to increase trade exchange and explore investment opportunities, highlighting Egypt's preparedness to continue backing Zambia in building its capabilities in addition to coordinating efforts on African and regional issues, said Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy.

For his part, Hichilema welcomed the visit of Sisi and lauded the great achievements made under Egypt’s presidency of COMESA.

The Zambian leader also asserted that his country is keen to foster cooperation with Egypt and continue consultations on Africa-related issues and challenges, particularly under the wise leadership of Sisi, to propel development efforts and maintain peace and security in Africa.

Sisi wished Hichilema successful presidency of COMESA, voicing hope that he will continue working on backing mutual cooperation in the coming period.

The meeting touched on means to enhance bilateral cooperation at all levels, as both sides agreed on the importance of activating the current cooperation mechanisms in addition to increasing trade exchange and supporting economic development efforts in Zambia, particularly in the domains of infrastructure development through Egyptian companies working in these fields.

Both sides agreed on maximizing bilateral cooperation in agricultural, animal and health domains.

The talks also tackled the latest regional developments and touched on efforts to boost economic and regional integration.

Both leaders also underlined the need to work on implementing development goals of Africa’s Agenda 2063 with special focus on carrying out projects prioritized by African countries.

They also tackled means of promoting African mechanisms for post-conflict reconstruction and development, combating terrorism and extremism and backing security and stability in Africa. 

MENA