Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered on Monday a written message from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame during his visit to Kigali on bilateral ties.
According to the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the message addressed ways to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Abdelatty also conveyed President El-Sisi’s congratulations on Kagame’s recent electoral victory and expressed Egypt’s desire to enhance bilateral relations to serve the interests of both peoples.
The Egyptian top diplomat is currently visiting Rwanda on behalf of El-Sisi to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Rwandan president.
The meeting attendees were the Rwandan ministers of foreign affairs and health, Egypt’s ambassador to Kigali Nermeen Al-Zawahiri, and world-renowned heart surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub.
During the meeting, Abdelatty highlighted the key aspects of his visit to Rwanda, including fruitful discussions and the signing of important cooperation agreements.
These agreements are expected to boost trade and investment between the two countries, particularly the announcement of establishing an Egyptian logistics zone on the Rwanda-Tanzania border to enhance trade.
Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed for cooperation in the pharmaceutical sector.
The top diplomat emphasized Egypt’s commitment to completing the Magdi Yacoub Rwanda-Egypt Heart Centre, a symbol of Egyptian-Rwandan medical cooperation.
He also discussed Egypt’s recent developments and major national projects, expressing readiness to share Egypt’s expertise across various fields.
For his part, President Kagame expressed appreciation for President El-Sisi and the historical friendship between the two countries.
He acknowledged the importance of strengthening bilateral relations and thanked Egypt, its people, and Professor Magdi Yacoub for establishing the Magdi Yacoub Rwanda-Egypt Heart Centre.
He noted that these developments will widen the cooperation between the two nations.
President Kagame also extended his greetings, appreciation, and gratitude to President El-Sisi, expressing confidence that the next phase will witness further enhancement and elevation of bilateral relations.
The meeting also covered several regional issues of mutual concern, including the Nile water issue.
FM Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s commitment to upholding the principles of cooperation, safeguarding shared interests, and preventing harm to downstream countries.
He also thanked President Kagame for Rwanda’s stance on the Gaza crisis, which called for a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
The discussion also touched on the situation in Sudan, with Abdelatty stressing the importance of collective efforts to resolve the current crisis.
Professor Magdi Yacoub briefed President Kagame during the meeting on the progress of the heart centre and his aspiration to provide exceptional medical services to the Rwandan people and the region, which received the President’s appreciation.
Source: Ahram Online
