According to the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency Ahmed Fahmy, President El-Sisi's participation in the summit comes in his capacity as the current president of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) -- the development arm of the African Union (AU).

NEPAD mobilizes financial resources to support Africa's flagship projects under the 2063 African Development Agenda. The organization supports efforts for continental integration, including through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also supports initiatives aimed at developing Africa's infrastructure and industrial transformation.

During the luncheon, President El-Sisi outlined Egypt's vision on the priorities for the Africa-Russia partnership, including enhancing peace and security and strengthening post-conflict reconstruction under the AU.

The Egyptian president also stressed  Cairo's leading role in facilitating intra-continental discussions through the Aswan Forum for Peace and Sustainable Development and as the host of the African Union's Reconstruction and Development Centre.

As the chair of NEPAD in the next two years, Egypt is determined to promote programs that foster the linkage between peace, security, and development, El-Sisi noted.

The Egyptian president said Cairo was actively contributing to Africa's food security by providing solutions for issues -- such as food supply, fertilizers, and agriculture technology -- and securing the necessary financial support.

He added that Egypt remains steadfast in taking concrete and sincere steps to secure the necessary financing to support African countries in their efforts to address the challenges of climate change.

The second edition of the Russia-Africa summit kicked off on Thursday in St. Petersburg with the participation of 49 countries.

President El-Sisi met Russian President Putin on Wednesday evening to discuss means to strengthen relations between the two countries.