NEW DELHI, India: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have discussed plans to deepen relations between their countries, including stronger trade and investment links, continental connectivity and cooperation on African peace and security.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, where they reviewed bilateral relations and issues affecting Africa and the wider international community.
According to the Egyptian presidency, El Sisi welcomed the continued progress in relations between Egypt and South Africa and expressed his desire to raise the relationship to the level of a strategic partnership.
The Egyptian president also pointed to ongoing efforts to upgrade the countries’ Joint Committee into a High Level Joint Committee. He said the proposed framework could provide a broader institutional mechanism for expanding economic cooperation, increasing bilateral trade and investment, and matching the economic potential and international roles of both countries.
El Sisi also called for stronger Egyptian and South African cooperation on continental connectivity projects and the development of more efficient trade corridors connecting northern and southern Africa.
Such infrastructure and trade links, he said, could support greater economic integration across the continent while creating benefits for African countries and their populations.
Egyptian presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El Shennawy said Ramaphosa welcomed El Sisi’s commitment to regular consultation and coordination with South Africa.
Ramaphosa expressed South Africa’s interest in expanding cooperation with Egypt across several areas while building on the historical ties and shared institutional platforms connecting the two countries.
These include the African Union, the NEPAD Agency and the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as their shared membership of BRICS.
The South African president also welcomed Egypt’s focus on connectivity projects and trade corridors linking the northern and southern parts of Africa.
The two presidents also discussed security and stability on the continent, agreeing on the need for stronger efforts to address conflicts through peaceful means.
They said Egypt and South Africa have a particular responsibility to strengthen collective African action and promote common African positions in international forums.
The discussions included ongoing crises and conflicts across Africa, with Sudan receiving particular attention.
El Sisi said Egypt remained committed to supporting the stability and sovereignty of African states, with Sudan among the countries of particular concern to Cairo.
He said, “Sudan’s security, sovereignty, stability and unity constitute a red line that Egypt will not allow to be crossed.”
Ramaphosa, for his part, reiterated South Africa’s commitment to continued consultation and coordination with Egypt and recognised Cairo’s active role in African and international affairs.
The leaders also reviewed developments in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.
Both sides maintained that the Palestinian cause remains central to efforts to achieve peace in the region and that the establishment of a Palestinian state in line with international legitimacy resolutions is necessary for lasting peace and stability.
Water issues were also discussed, with the two countries calling for respect for international law and the protection of states’ rights in ways that safeguard regional security and stability.
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