Egyptian PM delivers speech on climate change on behalf of Sisi

Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab has pressed for action to reach a unified African stance in the face of challenges of climate change.

African countries should act to achieve balance in securing water, energy and food for their peoples, Mahlab said in a speech he delivered on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi during a meeting of the committee of African presidents Monday.

"Hopefully, the challenges posed by climate change would positively affect joint African cooperation and would shorten distances between us," Mahlab told the committee.

He said climate change talks have reached a decisive stage with the aim to hammer out a new deal in Paris by the end of this year.

The new agreement should define new commitments of developing and least developed countries, Mahlab said, adding it should affect production and consumption patterns in Africa.

The prime minister said 46 countries have so far named their national entities that should join the Green Climate Fund (GCF), believing this is a positive and an important development.

About 32 African parties have also joined the Climate Technology Center and Network (CTCN), Mahlab added.

Mahlab also touched upon African initiatives about new and renewable energy, which he said are increasing by the day.

Those initiatives, he said, should take into consideration Africa's best interests.