President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said Egypt is keen on boosting relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo at all levels and continuing to transfer expertise and build the Congolese capacities.

In a phone call with Congolese President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi on Thursday, Sisi stressed Egypt’s interest in close coordination with the DRC on the regional issues of common concern, especially in light of its chair of the African Union.

The two leaders discussed the bilateral ties and the latest developments in the Ethiopian dam dispute, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

The Congolese president lauded Egypt’s sincere efforts to reach a balanced solution to the dam crisis, which takes into account the interests of all sides.

Sisi asserted Egypt’s firm stance on the necessity of reaching a legally binding agreement on the filling and operating of the dam before the upcoming rain season, in order to preserve the rights of the downstream countries and maintain the regional stability.

Egypt backs a Sudanese proposal to create an international quartet under the chair of the African Union to mediate in the crisis, Sisi said.

Tshisekedi affirmed Congo’s keenness on upgrading cooperation with Egypt in various fields, especially amid Egypt’s key role to maintain security and stability and achieve development in Africa.