File Photo: Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab prepares to attend a press conference in Cairo, Egypt, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 (Photo: AP)
Egyptian Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab is expected to attend an annual African Union summit which is being hosted in in South Africa this weekend, on behalf of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi.
The theme of this year's summit, which started on Sunday and will conclude next Monday, is the “Year of Women Empowerment and Development towards Africa’s Agenda 2063.”
Heads of state and government will meet on Sunday and Monday to discuss key issues facing the continent.
El-Sisi addressed women’s issues on Wednesday at an economic African summit held in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, pointing out to the importance of African women as a “key partner” to achieve the “aspired for” levels of sustainable development in Africa.
He also said, as part of Africa’s 2063 development plan, empowering “poor and breadwinner” women in particular and reinforcing their “economic and political” role are critical factors in eradicating poverty.
Egypt had recently been making diplomatic efforts to enhance its African relations, asserting its support and commitment to meet Africa’s 2063 agenda.
At the Sharm summit, African leaders signed a deal which will, when implemented, create a 26-state common market that includes around 57 percent of the population of the continent.
Under El-Sisi, Egypt has engaged in new economic and infrastructure projects on the continent, including developing a shipping line and improving road links.
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