Egypt Strengthens Commitment to CEN-SAD Collaboration Against Regional Challenges

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) during a meeting with its Executive Secretary, Ado Elhadji Abou, in Chad. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security issues, combating terrorism, and enhancing member states’ capabilities. The discussions included boosting trade opportunities between Egypt and Chad, with a delegation seeking cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture sectors.

On December 27, 2024, during a meeting with Ambassador Ado Elhadji Abou, the Executive Secretary of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) in Chad, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to strengthening partnerships within CEN-SAD. He underscored the necessity for enhanced regional cooperation to tackle shared challenges, particularly in combating terrorism and illegal immigration, while building the security capacities of member states. Abdelatty emphasized the activation of CEN-SAD’s role, which is based in Cairo, to bolster member states’ counter-terrorism capabilities. He specifically noted the importance of unifying efforts to address regional security threats, including supporting youth rehabilitation initiatives and countering extremist ideologies. Additionally, Minister Abdelatty expressed Egypt’s readiness to provide technical and logistical assistance to CEN-SAD, and contribute to developing a comprehensive financial and administrative reform plan, enhancing the organization’s efficacy. The meeting, part of Abdelatty’s visit to N’Djamena, Chad, also included discussions with Chadian Foreign Minister Abderaman Koulamallah on boosting trade and investment opportunities. Furthermore, he led a delegation comprising representatives from prominent Egyptian businesses to explore potential collaboration in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and agriculture. Abdelatty also met with Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure, Aziz Mahamat Saleh, and visited the Alexandria University branch in Chad.

The Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) is a regional organization aimed at promoting economic cooperation and political integration among member states across the Sahel and Sahara regions. Founded to address common socio-economic challenges and security threats, CEN-SAD plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration among its members, particularly in areas such as counter-terrorism and migration. Egypt’s proactive stance in strengthening its collaboration within CEN-SAD reflects its strategic interest in enhancing regional stability and addressing the profound challenges posed by terrorism and organized crime. The emphasis on supporting youth programs and countering extremism within CEN-SAD’s initiatives highlights an approach focused on long-term solutions for peace and development in the region.

In summary, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has reiterated Egypt’s strong commitment to fostering cooperation with the CEN-SAD by addressing pressing regional challenges such as terrorism and illegal migration. By enhancing the capacities of member states through technical support and economic collaboration, Egypt is positioned as a key player in advancing security and developmental initiatives in the Sahel-Saharan region. The ongoing discussions aim to create a robust framework for sustainable regional collaboration, emphasizing mutual interests and shared goals.

Original Source: www.egypttoday.com