CAIRO – Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, received Burkina Faso Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, on Thursday to discuss ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.
Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s support for Burkina Faso’s efforts to complete its transition period, according to a statement released by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ambassador Tamim Khllaf.
The two ministers reviewed existing cooperation pathways and explored ways to expand them. Abdelatty highlighted the importance of increasing trade exchange and expressed Egypt’s readiness to export products that meet Burkina Faso’s market needs.
He also noted the growing activity of Egyptian companies in Africa, particularly in construction, pharmaceuticals, and power generation, underscoring the Egyptian government’s commitment to encouraging Egyptian businesses to operate in Burkina Faso’s market.
Abdelatty addressed the escalating threat of terrorism in the Sahel region and Lake Chad, emphasizing Egypt’s steadfast support for Burkina Faso’s efforts to combat terrorism and achieve security and stability. He outlined Egypt’s experience in counterterrorism, highlighting that an effective response to terrorism necessitates a comprehensive and sustainable approach.
Both ministers exchanged perspectives on regional issues of mutual concern, especially in the Sahel and the Horn of Africa, discussing recent developments and their impact on efforts to achieve stability in the African continent.
In July, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced the formation of the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), marking a significant step towards closer economic and military cooperation. The move comes amid ongoing security challenges in the region and strained relations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In a joint statement, the leaders of the three nations – Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso, Assimi Goita of Mali, and Abdourahamane Tchiani of Niger – highlighted the alliance’s success in combating terrorism, particularly in the Liptako-Gourma region, a border area notorious for instability. They pledged deeper integration to enhance regional security.
Last week, Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty asserted that the Sahel and Sahara region is an integral part of Egyptian security. Speaking at a joint press conference with Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Yaou Sangare, in Cairo, Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Chad, and all other Sahel countries. He stated that the security of the Sahel is directly linked to the security of Egypt.
Abdelatty acknowledged the unstable situation in the Sahel and Sahara, highlighting the presence of active terrorist groups in the region. He underscored Egypt’s support for national institutions in these countries, revealing Cairo’s provision of training assistance to Niger, Gabon, and Burkina Faso to aid their counterterrorism efforts.
