As new AU head, Egypt eyes greater African role in 2019
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is preparing to take over leadership of the African Union for 2019 with an ambitious set of goals and programs.
CAIRO — Egypt is ready to assume the African Union presidency for 2019 and is stepping up preparations for the group's Jan. 31 summit.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will preside as chairman of the summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Sisi was elected by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government for a one-year term, succeeding Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
In a weekly cabinet meeting Nov. 13, Egyptian Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly instructed all ministries to prepare cooperation programs with the other African countries, noting that the AU presidency is a golden opportunity to strengthen Egypt's interests and standing in Africa.
On Nov. 8, the government published an action plan to promote relations with African countries. It includes a number of bilateral and regional cooperation programs in health, trade, investment, aviation and culture. Egypt will also host numerous pan-African events such as the Africa Investment Forum, in addition to several cultural festivals.
