President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço have called for avoiding unilateral measures that could lead to disputes among Africa’s riparian states.

The two leaders met on Tuesday at Cairo’s Ittihadiya Palace at the start of the Angolan president’s three-day visit to Egypt to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss key African issues.

According to a joint statement issued by the Egyptian presidency, both leaders addressed the issue of water security and cooperation over international rivers, especially amid growing water scarcity.

Additionally, they stressed the need to “manage transboundary water resources in line with international law,” ensuring mutual benefits while upholding the principle of “no harm.”

As current members of the African Union's (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC), El-Sisi and Lourenço exchanged views on pressing peace and security issues in Africa.

Lourenço reaffirmed Angola’s firm commitment, under its current chairmanship of the AU, to supporting sustainable development, peace, and stability through the implementation of Agenda 2063 “The Africa We Want” and the “Silencing the Guns” initiative.

Sudan

El-Sisi and Lourenço voiced deep concern over the ongoing fighting in Sudan and its humanitarian repercussions.

They called for an immediate end to hostilities and the launch of an inclusive national dialogue that safeguards Sudan’s unity and sovereignty while easing the suffering of its people.

They also expressed support for regional and international efforts aimed at resolving the Sudanese crisis, highlighting the AU’s central role in mediation and conflict resolution.

Both leaders further rejected any attempts to establish a parallel government in Sudan, the statement added.

South Sudan

Furthermore, the Egyptian president and his Angolan counterpart expressed concern about recent developments that could escalate political and security tensions.

They underscored the need for dialogue and consensus building, while calling for full adherence to South Sudan’s 2018 peace deal – the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict (R-ARCSS).

Somalia

Regarding Somalia, the two presidents reaffirmed their support for the country’s unity, stability, and security.

They also strongly condemned the surge in terrorist activities, including the recent brutal assassination attempt targeting the Somali president.

Congo

As for the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), both leaders reiterated their condemnation of all forms of violence that threaten peace and stability.

They emphasised their unwavering commitment to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the DRC, stressing the need for continued dialogue among all relevant parties to reach a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Gaza

Meanwhile, El-Sisi and Lourenço also expressed deep concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

They reiterated the need for a permanent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and voiced support for the Arab-Islamic plan for recovery and reconstruction.

For his part, President Lourenço praised Egypt's constructive role and strategic vision in the efforts to reconstruct Gaza and its mediation aimed at achieving lasting peace and security, under United Nations resolutions and the two-state solution.

Bilateral ties

Both leaders underscored the importance of deepening economic cooperation and agreed to intensify joint efforts to enhance investment and trade, particularly in sectors that contribute to economic diversification in both countries.

“This shared direction supports sustainable development goals, enhances institutional capacity building, and facilitates the exchange of expertise and best practices for the benefit of both peoples,” the joint statement noted.

According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS), trade exchange between Egypt and Angola reached $34.2 million in 2024, up from $21.3 million in 2023, reflecting a 60.6 percent increase.  Egypt’s exports to Angola rose to approximately $34.1 million in 2024, compared to $21.3 million in 2023.

El-Sisi and Lourenço also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation.

They also emphasised the urgent need to reform international institutions—particularly the United Nations and the Security Council—to ensure they become more inclusive, representative, and democratic, enabling broader participation of developing countries in global decision-making.

Ahram Online