Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Sunday voiced belief that President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's chairmanship of the AU in 2019 will push the union forward.

Addressing the opening session of the 32nd AU Summit, with the participation of the Egyptian president, Faki noted President Sisi's policy, noble traits, promising vision for Africa and Egypt's historical and cultural weight.

He said that election processes in Africa have made a great deal of progress, adding that 16 new national elections will be organized this year.

He pointed out to the importance of youth and women in Africa and that gender equality and ending discrimination against females should continue.

He expounded the activities of the AU throughout the year which included the domains of agriculture, environment, health, education, scientific research and innovation. These will remain on the 2019 agenda as well, he said.