Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs Ambassador Hamdy Sanad Luza asserted that Egypt supports the people of the Great Lakes in standing against current challenges and disputes engulfing the region especially the spread of armed groups that threaten African peace and stability.

He was addressing a workshop organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday under the auspices of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. The workshop is chaired by Ambassador Hamdy Sanad Luza.

Speaking on behalf of the Egyptian top diplomat, who is on a visit to Washington, Ambassador Luza said that the Egyptian government has been playing a major role on the regional and international arenas to defend the rights of the African continent, achieve the aspirations of its people and confront the serious disputes threatening the security and stability of the African people.

As per the Great Lakes region, Ambassador Luza said the region has gravely suffered from armed disputes, spread of armed terrorist group as well as organized crimes which have all contributed to depleting the economic resources of the region and impeded development efforts and endeavors to achieve prosperity and welfare.

He pointed out that Egypt is keen on cooperating with Great Lakes countries in the field of building their capabilities, promoting various training programs in the sectors of health, education, agriculture, media, management of water resources and others.

In view of the volatile situation in the Great Lakes region, the Egyptian ambassador said Cairo attaches special importance to addressing such issues at all international fronts emanating from its adherence to principles of African unity and the need for resolving the problems of Africa.

Today's workshop is not only aimed at addressing problems of the Great Lakes but it will target exchanging expertise in the field of combatting terrorism, peaceful settlement of disputes as well as maintaining peacekeeping operation in Africa, added the ambassador.

Source: MENA