The Foreign Ministry hosted a ceremony of signing an agreement between Cairo Center for Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa (CCCPA), the government of Japan and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to bolster peace and security in Africa. 

Deputy Foreign Minister Hamdy Louza welcomed the new deal which starts a new phase of cooperation for consolidating peace and security in Africa. 

The project – “Enhancing Peace, Security and Stability in Africa” – is funded by the Government of Japan, in cooperation with UNDP

Louza said the project is part of the outcomes of a visit paid by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to Tokyo this year. 

The project leverages CCCPA’s unique position, as an African Union (AU) Center of Excellence in training, to enhance African capacities in matters of peace and security.

Peace and security in Africa are main priorities for the Egyptian government, the deputy foreign minister said. 

During his visit to Japan, President Sisi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on supporting the CCCPA to consolidate peace and security in Africa, the senior diplomat added. 

It is part of efforts to address the numerous cross-border challenges including terrorism and extremism, Louza added. 

The agreement was signed by Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation for Development Ambassador Sherif Refaat, Resident Representative of UNDP in Egypt Anita Nirody, and CCCPA Director Ashraf Swelam

Nirody expressed her appreciation for CCCPA’s regional role in issues of peace and security. 

“At UNDP, we are highly appreciative of the excellent partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; CCCPA and Government of Japan, as well as the pivotal role played by CCCPA to consolidate African voices to contribute to shaping the global policy debates on the peacekeeping and peace-building architecture,” she said.

On his side, Director Swelam praised the continuing cooperation with Japan and UNDP, describing both as “partners in success”. 

In their joint statement during the March visit, President Sisi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced the new Japanese support for CCCPA in recognition of its “important role in maintaining peace and stability in Africa.”

Source: MENA