On Thursday, July 24, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration inaugurated the Egyptian-Malian Business Forum in the Malian capital, Bamako. The forum was attended by Mr. Abdoulaye Diop - Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Mr. Moussa Alassane Diallo - Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Redouwane Ag Mohamed - Commissioner for Food Security; and a wide range of business leaders and representatives of the public and private sectors from both Egypt and Mali. The forum was attended by an expanded delegation of 30 businessmen, heads and representatives of major Egyptian companies operating in various sectors, led by Dr. Sherif El Gebaly - Chairman of the African Cooperation Committee at the Federation of Egyptian Industries. The delegation also included Dr. Mohy Hafez - Chairman of the Export Council for Medical Industries, Major General Hazem Ahmed Yehia - Assistant Director of the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Agency, and representatives from the Egyptian Exporters Association, the Federation of Industries, the General Petroleum Corporation, and the Mineral Resources Authority. Arab Contractors Company participated in the forum and represented by Eng. Hassan Ibrahim – AC Board Member, and Eng. Abdel Rahman Ismail. Minister Abdel Aati stated that the forum represents a new and important milestone in the path of strengthening the economic and trade partnership between Egypt and Mali, stressing that it provides unprecedented horizons for the private sectors in both countries to develop partnerships based on integration and trust, in line with the deep historical ties and economic potential enjoyed by Egypt and Mali. The Foreign Minister emphasized that relations between Egypt and Mali are currently witnessing unprecedented momentum, and the forum represents an important starting point for raising the levels of trade exchange, encouraging industrial and investment partnerships, and developing cooperation between the business communities of the two countries. Minister Abdel Aati praised the convening of the forum as a practical first step towards enhancing institutional cooperation, in the light of the joint efforts that culminated in the formation of an economic working group, in addition to the ongoing work to establish an Egyptian-Mali Business Council to activate cooperation opportunities in various sectors. He expressed Egypt’s keen desire to expand the scope of its investments in Mali, particularly in priority sectors for the Malian government, such as the textile, wood, and pharmaceutical industries, in accordance with national development plans, most notably the 2024-2033 development plan and Mali’s new vision – Mali Koura 2063. The Foreign Minister declared that the Egyptian economy, as one of the largest economies in Africa, possesses promising investment opportunities and extensive accumulated experience in implementing strategic projects in the infrastructure, agriculture, energy, dams, medicine, and communications sectors. He also highlighted Egypt’s remarkable progress in the industrial and service sectors. Minister Abdel Aati emphasized that Egypt will remain a key partner for Mali in its efforts to achieve security and stability and combat terrorism. He stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach that links security and development as a pillar for achieving sustainable peace, calling for continued joint action to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in various fields. Mr. Moussa Alassane Diallo - Minister of Industry and Trade emphasized on the Malian government keeness to enhancing cooperation with Egypt, and praised Egypt’s expertise in promoting development in Africa . He expressed his country’s aspiration to benefit from Egypt’s wide spectrum experience in vital sectors, particularly in infrastructure, manufacturing industries, medicine, and energy. He stated that the forum representing the mutual political concern to promote economic and investment cooperation between the two countries, and stepping towards establishing a sustainable partnership.