Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty on Friday made two phone calls with Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Léon Kacou Adom and Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore. These discussions were part of his efforts to mobilize support for the Egyptian candidate Khaled El-Anany in the election for the post of UNESCO Director-General scheduled for Monday in Paris.

According to State Information Service Egypt, during the two phone conversations, the top Egyptian diplomat expressed Egypt’s deep appreciation for Côte d’Ivoire’s and Burkina Faso’s supportive stances of Anany. This backing embodies African unity and reflects the commitment of African states to strengthening continental solidarity behind the African Union-endorsed nominee. This support contributes to advancing African priorities and interests within regional and international organizations.

The talks between the foreign minister and his Ivorian and Burkinabe count
erparts also tackled ways of strengthening bilateral ties with Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, particularly in the economic, development, and investment fields, aiming to serve the interests and aspirations of African peoples. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to continued consultation and coordination with its African partners to ensure effective African representation within UNESCO. This commitment supports educational, cultural, and scientific issues of concern to the continent, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.