Egypt Stresses Need for Intra-ECOWAS Cooperation to Combat Terrorism and Extremism

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty emphasized the importance of a practical and constructive formula for intra-ECOWAS coordination and cooperation to combat terrorism and extremism during a meeting with ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah. Egypt reaffirmed its firm position against all forms of violence and terrorism in the Sahel region and West Africa, and highlighted its historical ties with ECOWAS members. The meeting aimed to strengthen regional integration, promote trade exchange, and consolidate peace and security in West Africa.

Key Takeaways:

• Egypt is willing to share expertise and capabilities with ECOWAS members in combatting terrorism and extremist ideologies.
• Egypt will provide all means of support and assistance to countries in the region to help them combat terrorism.
• Egypt is ready to enhance cooperation with ECOWAS members to offer training, qualification, and technical support for the regional counter-terrorism force.
• The Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) plays a leading role in countering extremist ideologies.
• Al-Azhar serves as a religious and intellectual beacon contributing to countering extremist ideologies and spreading the values of moderation and tolerance.

Statistics:

• 50th anniversary of ECOWAS was celebrated during the meeting.
• 15 member states comprise the regional group ECOWAS.
• ECOWAS has been promoting economic integration since 1975.

Sources:

• (Middle East News Agency)