Cairo, Egypt – In preparation for “The Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development”, H.E. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with African Ambassadors in Cairo over Iftar on 27 May 2019. The meeting was an opportunity to engage African countries in the planning of the Forum.

Minister Shoukry discussed the peace and security threats that “block our path to an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa”. Building on the notion of “African Solutions for African Problems”, Shoukry highlighted Egypt's commitment to enhance joint African efforts and to strengthen the African Union and its mechanisms responsible for overcoming political, economic and security challenges. He identified Egyptian priorities during its Chairmanship of the African Union, including peace and security, institutional and financial reform of the AU, economic and social integration, building bridges of cultural and civilization exchanges between the African people, and the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Development and Peace.

Launched by H.E. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, during the 32nd Summit of the African Union on 10 February 2019, the Aswan Forum is an Egyptian initiative, owned by Africa and supported by regional and international partners. Titled, “An Agenda for Sustainable Peace, Security and Development in Africa”, the inaugural meeting of the Forum will bring high level officials and decision-makers from national governments, regional and international organizations, together with visionaries, scholars, and prominent experts for a forward-looking, action-oriented discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing Africa.