Envoy: Nigeria-Egypt Relations Commendable Model for Africa, South-South Cooperation

Envoy: Nigeria-Egypt Relations Commendable Model for Africa, South-South Cooperation

The Ambassador of Egypt to Nigeria, Assem Hanafi Elseify, has described the relations between Nigeria and his country as one that is a worthy example of how cooperation among countries should be in Africa and beyond.

Elseify, who said cooperation between the two countries in almost all spheres of human endeavor has brought about positive development in both countries, also conveyed President Abdelfattah al-Sisi’s "sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari and swift safe return to Nigeria soon."

He stated this last Monday night at an event held to commemorate the 65th Independence anniversary of Egypt in Abuja.

"There are several important Egyptian investment and partnerships, particularly The Arab Contractors in whose construction we gather today, Egypt Air which flies to three destinations in Nigeria and the Mansour Group which has a number of projects in Kwara State.

"I believe that there is and has always been excellent relations between Egypt and Nigeria, covering important fields like education, medical care, training programmes by the Egyptian Agency for Partnership, and an ever expanding military and security cooperation, all presenting a commendable model for African and South-South cooperation," he said.

While noting that there is room for enhancing the economic ties between the two countries in order to meet their sustainable development needs and aspirations, the envoy said the two countries, through their cooperation have achieved various strides both bilaterally and within the various initiatives of the African Union.

Elseify also commended Nigeria's efforts to tackle issues of terrorism and development which he said is to a large extent responsible for insecurity in most African countries. "It is though both countries face common and dire challenges of poverty eradication, job creation, social welfare and good governance. There are also the evil scourge of terrorism and conflicts affecting many neighbouring states.

"But it is with enormous sense of resolve and determination that both governments are tackling those challenges, including an unrelenting and by no means easy pursuit for stability in our two regions; progress in combating extremist groups and more serious attention to diversifying the national economies and creating an enabling environment for doing business and stimulating growth and investment," he added.

The ambassador disclosed that Egypt, as part of measures to correct the Macri-economic imbalance, took some bold steps which is impacting favourably on her fiscal and monetary policies.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Arab Organisation for industrialization, Lieutenant General Abdel-Aziz Seifeldin (rtd), said Egypt, apart from using the military in combating terrorism, has also adopted other means such as deradicalisation and pursuit of development to tackle poverty in the country.