Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty stated that the 39th African Union summit occurs amid complex regional and international circumstances, which directly affect the continent. He emphasized the critical timing, particularly regarding peace, security, and development in Africa, highlighting their interconnection: sustainable development depends on security and stability, and vice versa.
In an interview with Al-Qahera Al-Ekhbariya on Saturday 14/2/2026, Egypt’s top diplomat reported on summit discussions, conveying the vision of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, linking security and development.
As chair of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, he presented a comprehensive overview of the continent’s security situation, discussing challenges and required development measures.
He outlined President Sisi’s action plan for addressing African crises, emphasizing political and diplomatic solutions rather than military interventions, which escalate conflicts. He emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity and institutions as key elements for security, stability, development, and prosperity. The roadmap also includes defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African nations, opposing division or secession.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s strong support for the African Free Trade Agreement, citing recent Cairo meetings to finalize exemptions for goods and services and emphasizing the importance of implementing the agreement to strengthen intra-African trade.
