Àshraf AboArafe
11 June 2021, CAIRO – UK Director General for Africa in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Moazzam Malik, visited Cairo yesterday to discuss the situation in the Horn of Africa as well as other topics of mutual concern with Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Hamdi Lowza and other senior figures. This follows the recent high-level visit of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel-Ati to Khartoum to discuss the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
During his meeting with Loza, Malik emphasized the role and stature of the African Union as well as the UK’s firm commitment to continue providing support for the African continent. Both parties also discussed the work of the Egyptian Agency of Partnerships for Development, which supports efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in 80 countries.
Economic development, healthcare and women, peace and security (WPS) were also among the main topics on Malik’s agenda.
Malik met with International Monetary Fund Country Director of Egypt Said Bakhache, to discuss Egypt’s positive economic growth and the UK’s eagerness to support, especially in the area of social protection.
He also met WHO Representative in Egypt and Head of Mission Dr Naeema Al-Gasseer, and Director General for the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) Ahmed Abdellatif.
During his meeting with Abdellatif, he praised CCCPA’s role in furthering the WPS agenda and discussed the conclusions of the last Aswan Forum, held in March.
Commenting on his trip, Malik said: “During my visit to Cairo, I had the opportunity to meet with Deputy Foreign Minister Hamdi Loza, as well as other leading governmental and non-governmental officials, to discuss issues of common interest. There are a number of clear priorities. Both the UK and Egypt are working to provide much-needed support for development throughout Africa, helping to establish stability and security for millions of people. Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a shared aim, as is tackling climate change with the UK hosting COP26 in Glasgow. The UK and international partners will be providing billions of dollars in climate finance to African countries and working together in international organizations such as the African Union to support clean technologies and sustainable growth. We were also able to share our assessment of situations of concern, particularly in the Horn of Africa. We look forward to increased cooperation with Egypt on these and other issues.”
Before arriving in Cairo, Malik visited Ethiopia to discuss the humanitarian crisis facing the Tigray region, urging countries to join the UK’s call for an immediate ceasefire and allowing unrestricted humanitarian access.
