Egypt and Uganda strengthen political, economic and Nile cooperation

AA/Istanbul/Sanaa Amir

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Wednesday called for a strengthening of consensus among Nile Basin countries to restore the inclusiveness of the Nile Basin Initiative, during a meeting with Ugandan Minister Henry Okello in Cairo.

The two officials insisted on the need to strengthen historical and strategic ties between Cairo and Kampala and to develop political and economic cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, energy, water management and pharmacy. Abdelatty also highlighted support for Egyptian businesses in Uganda and the importance of improving market access for Egyptian exports.

The discussion was broadened to regional issues. The ministers discussed Egyptian efforts to reduce tensions in the Middle East, promote peace and end the war in Gaza. They also discussed the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region, Sudan, Somalia and security in the Red Sea.

To strengthen bilateral trade, the two countries plan to develop health cooperation with the creation of an Egyptian medical center in Jinja, as well as an expansion of cultural and educational ties, including scholarships and university partnerships via Al-Azhar.

The ministers reaffirmed the need to preserve the sovereignty and integrity of African states while supporting the stability and development of the continent. Egyptian investments in Africa reached $10.2 billion, while African investments in Egypt amount to $2.8 billion, according to official figures.

Finally, Abdelatty recalled that water remains a central pillar of Egyptian foreign policy and insisted on the rejection of unilateral actions in the Eastern Nile, welcoming Uganda’s role in the consultative process of the Nile Basin Initiative.