Diplomat: Egypt capable of supporting Sahel, Sahara gathering in economic, security domains

Ambassador Mohammad Hegazi, former assistant foreign minister for African affairs, asserted that the Fifth Meeting of the Sahel and Sahara Gathering, set to kick off Tuesday in Sharm El Sheikh, comes at a time when security in Africa faces increasing threats.

The Sahel and Sahara Gathering meeting will group 27 African states.

In statements to MENA, Ambassador Hegazi said the threats facing Africa are represented in the terrorist and extremist groups which have become active across the borders, citing Boko Haram, Al Qaeda in the Maghreb countries and Daesh as well as other extremists groups.

He said Egypt's hosting of the meeting reflected its recognition that economic development would not be achieved in view of the increase of terrorist groups and transborder crimes which could harm stability and deplete the resources of Africa.

The three-day meeting will discuss means of confronting threats facing African countries especially terrorism and organized crime as well as making use of Egypt's security and military potentials in fighting against terrorism and building up capabilities of African countries in this domain.