CAIRO, Nov 11 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi extended heartfelt condolences to his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto, during a phone call on Tuesday, over the victims of the landslide that struck an area in western Kenya earlier this month.
During their phone conversation, the two leaders affirmed the deep-rooted ties binding both countries, especially after the momentum achieved by Ruto’s visit to Cairo in January, according to a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed al-Shennawy.
They also emphasized the need to continue working to intensify cooperation in various fields under the strategic partnership between both countries, including through engaging Egyptian companies in implementing various development projects in Kenya.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan president expressed appreciation for Egypt’s support for his country, asserting keenness to maintain coordination and communication to enhance cooperation and share views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
The two sides also reviewed a raft of regional issues, the spokesman noted.
Highlighting the link between the situation in Sudan and Egypt’s national security, Sisi stressed the need to preserve the unity and sovereignty of Sudan.
He also affirmed Egypt’s support for Sudan’s state institutions, and the urgent need to end the humanitarian tragedy facing the Sudanese people, especially in the city of El Fasher and its surroundings.
Sisi also touched on Egypt’s engagement through the Quartet Mechanism to achieve a ceasefire and de-escalation in Sudan.
The Kenyan president expressed appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to end the crisis in Sudan, asserting his desire to coordinate with Egypt on that score.
The two leaders also discussed the Nile water issue, the spokesman said, adding that President Sisi emphasized Egypt’s support for development efforts and projects in the Nile Basin countries, while categorically rejecting any attempts to undermine its water interests, including the unilateral measures taken by Ethiopia.
Ruto stressed his country’s keenness to strengthen economic cooperation and integration among the Nile Basin countries, without prejudice to the interests of any country. He thanked President Sisi for Egypt’s support to Kenya in various areas of development.
Reviewing the situation in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, Sisi and Ruto agreed on the importance of intensifying efforts to achieve regional stability, security, and peace, without jeopardizing the unity and sovereignty of Somalia or compromising the capabilities of the Somali people, the spokesman noted. (MENA)
