General Abdel Mageed Saqr, Egypt’s Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defence and Military Production, hosted Benin’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, and his delegation in Cairo on Wednesday, as both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation in the face of mounting regional and international security challenges.
The high-level meeting, as confirmed by Armed Forces Spokesman Brigadier General Gharib Abdel-Hafez, focused on pressing issues affecting peace and stability across the African continent. Officials discussed recent regional and global developments and how they intersect with the broader security architecture in Africa, particularly amid rising threats and evolving geopolitical dynamics.
During the talks, both sides reviewed ways to strengthen military and security collaboration. General Saqr reiterated Egypt’s readiness to expand joint initiatives with Benin, particularly in military training, intelligence sharing, and strategic defence planning. He highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Cairo and Porto-Novo, and expressed hope that these relations would enter a new phase of practical and constructive cooperation.
Minister Bakari acknowledged Egypt’s influential role on the continent and lauded the efforts of its political and military leadership in supporting African countries during crises. He emphasized the importance of solidarity among African nations to effectively respond to common threats, including terrorism, border insecurity, and transnational crime.
The meeting underscored a shared vision between the two nations for a more secure and stable Africa, built on mutual respect, collaboration, and a commitment to regional integration. Discussions also touched on the strategic importance of coordinated defence strategies as African nations navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.
Also in attendance were Egypt’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, along with several senior military officials, underscoring the significance Cairo places on strengthening its defence partnerships with fellow African states.
The visit is seen as a step forward in consolidating military diplomacy between Egypt and Benin, reinforcing their joint efforts to address collective security priorities and support peace initiatives across the continent.