Abdelatty affirmed that Egypt is committed to enhancing strategic cooperation with Benin across key sectors, with particular emphasis on pharmaceutical manufacturing, investment and regional integration.

The foreign minister noted that discussions with his Beninese counterpart focused heavily on the pharmaceutical sector, with an eye toward positioning Benin as a gateway for Egyptian pharmaceuticals to enter the vast ECOWAS market, whose exports exceed $20 billion annually.

Egypt seeks to register and localize its pharmaceutical products in Benin, enabling in-country manufacturing, he said.

This move would facilitate access to neighboring West African countries, aligning with Egypt's goal of deepening its economic presence across the continent, he said.

Egyptian medicines, known for their affordability and high quality, could be a strong value proposition in the region, he added.

Abdelatty highlighted the role of Al-Azhar in offering training to Beninese scholars in countering extremism and radicalization, and extended condolences for the recent loss of Beninese soldiers to terrorist attacks near the Sahel region.

The two ministers also discussed during their talks major regional challenges, including the Israeli aggression on Gaza, highlighting Egypt's urgent efforts to broker a ceasefire, facilitate captive-prisoner exchanges and ensure humanitarian aid access.

They addressed as well the crisis in Sudan, with both sides stressing the need to uphold Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Egypt and Benin agreed on the critical importance of stability in the Sahel, counter-terrorism cooperation, and support for Somalia’s sovereignty.

Abdelatty affirmed Egypt’s full support for Benin’s fight against terrorism, condemning all acts that aim to destabilize the country or the region. (MORE)

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