Sisi discusses counter-terrorism cooperation in Africa’s Sahel with Mauritanian counterpart

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi discussed with his Mauritanian counterpart, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, counter-terrorism cooperation in Africa’s Sahel area, the presidency said.

In a phone call on Sunday, the presidents discussed cooperation in various fields, especially military and security cooperation, as well as trade exchange and economic cooperation, presidential spokesman Bassam Rady said.

They reviewed viewpoints on some regional issues, including the Libyan crisis, in light of its implications on the national security of both countries and the region.

El-Sisi and Ghazouani affirmed their keenness to end the Libyan crisis through reaching a political solution that paves the way for the restoration of security and stability to the Arab country.

They also discussed efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic and have agreed on Egyptian-Mauritanian coordination in this regard through exchanging experiences and communication between the relevant institutions of both countries.

In February, El-Sisi said Egypt is ready to host a special African summit to discuss setting up an African force tasked with fighting terrorism in the African continent.

“I affirm Egypt is ready to host this special African summit stemming from its responsibility and believing in the importance of this proposed [force] to achieve peace and security in Africa,” El-Sisi said in a speech during the opening of the 33rd African Union summit in Addis Ababa.

Concerning coronavirus efforts, Egypt’s Health Minister Hala Zayed told Egypt’s DMC satellite channel on Friday that Egypt is in talks with Sinovac Biotech to manufacture the Chinese company’s coronavirus vaccine.

She added that Egypt wants to meet the demand of Egyptians and other African nations.