Egypt will work with COMESA member states to achieve their aspirations CAIRO: Egypt assumed the rotating presidency of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa at its 21st summit. It was held in Egypt’s new administrative capital under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and brought together African heads of state. In his speech, El-Sisi said Egypt will work with COMESA member states to achieve their aspirations and encourage trade, including by seeking to complete a project linking the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Victoria. During a meeting with COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Kapwepwe, El-Sisi said Egypt’s presidency of the bloc will strive toward economic and regional integration. El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s desire for close coordination and cooperation with the COMESA secretariat during its presidency. The meeting discussed the priorities for Egypt’s presidency of COMESA, including strengthening member states’ ability to withstand the COVID-19 pandemic and similar challenges in the future; strengthening regional supply chains; maximizing industrial integration; increasing investments in cross-border infrastructure and connectivity projects; cooperation in digital transformation; and relying on more sustainable production techniques in light of Egypt’s hosting of the COP27 Summit next year.