Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, marking a significant step in deepening the relationship between the two nations.
During their meeting, President El-Sisi thanked President Lula for inviting Egypt to participate in the summit, underscoring that the invitation reflects Brazil’s recognition of Egypt’s influential role in the Middle East and Africa. El-Sisi also commended Brazil’s successful hosting of the summit and its focus on the challenges faced by developing nations, particularly through initiatives such as the newly launched Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty. This initiative is aimed at tackling global food insecurity and inequality in the face of rising economic challenges.
President Lula, in turn, acknowledged Egypt’s active involvement in the G20’s activities, praising the country’s consistent support for the priorities of developing nations. He also highlighted President El-Sisi’s personal contributions at the summit, recognizing Egypt as a vocal advocate for the interests of the global south.
The two leaders also agreed to elevate Egypt-Brazil relations to the level of a strategic partnership. Through a joint statement, they outlined their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, and development, aligning with the broader aspirations of both countries.
This marks Egypt’s fourth participation in the G20 Summit, following past summits in China, Japan, and India. The country’s continued presence at the forum reflects its growing international stature and pivotal role in global affairs.
The G20 Summit, held on November 18-19, is addressing critical issues such as social inclusion, poverty and hunger eradication, global governance reforms, and energy transition for sustainable development. A centerpiece of the summit is the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, led by Brazil, which aims to mobilize international resources to combat hunger and poverty.
At the summit, President El-Sisi is expected to highlight Egypt’s development efforts, focusing on the challenges that developing nations face in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, amid global instability. His speeches are expected to emphasize the importance of global solidarity and cooperation in tackling these pressing issues.
In addition to the formal summit discussions, President El-Sisi is holding a series of meetings with world leaders to explore opportunities for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting international cooperation, further affirming Egypt’s commitment to shaping global economic discourse and advocating for the interests of developing countries.