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Cairo Governor Khaled Abdel Aal received Sunday the President of the Ivorian National Assembly (Parliament), Adama Bictogo, and his accompanying parliamentary delegation to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and benefit from Egypt's successful experience in addressing and eradicating informal settlements.

At the beginning of his speech, Abdel Aal congratulated Mr. Adama Bictogo on his election as the President of the Ivorian National Assembly as well as his election as the Mayor of Yopougon, the largest municipality in Côte d'Ivoire. He also extended his congratulations to the people of Côte d'Ivoire for winning the Africa Cup of Nations, wishing them further success.

Moreover, Abdel Aal emphasized that today's meeting is a chance to foster the ties of friendship and cooperation between Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire generally and between Cairo Governorate and Ivorian cities in particular.

That is especially significant as it is the first meeting between Cairo Governorate officials and Mr. Bictogo, the President of the Ivorian National Assembly and Mayor of Yopougon, providing a great chance to exchange views on various areas of cooperation.

Abdel Aal added that Egypt, with its African depth and belonging to this ambitious continent, seeks to extend relations with its African brothers, noting that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has been keen on strengthening bonds with all African countries, especially Cote d'Ivoire, to integrate in all fields and at all levels, believing in the significant role that African countries represent.

Abdel Aal asserted the great importance of this visit as it marks the first visit of a high-level delegation from the Ivory Coast to the Cairo Governorate. He added that Cairo Governorate has several twinning agreements with cities and capitals around the world, hoping that today will be the beginning of discussions to sign a memorandum of understanding to enhance friendship, cooperation, knowledge exchange, and expertise sharing with key cities and municipalities in the Ivory Coast and to benefit from the human and natural resources in both countries.

During his meeting. Abdel Aal pointed out that Cairo has witnessed a major urban development over the past decade, specifically since President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi assumed office, leading the country towards achieving more development to build the new republic in its comprehensive concept. This included the construction of numerous road axes, developing roads within the country, and establishing international roads such as the international road connecting many African countries (Cairo - Cape Town).

Furthermore, Abdel Aal said as part of Egypt's plan for sustainable development, a top priority for the state was to eradicate informal settlements in Cairo. That led to the establishment of several modern housing projects to relocate residents of these areas, including approximately 50,000 fully furnished housing units, offering integrated services such as healthcare, education, mosques, and churches, as well as daily amenities like supply centers, sports facilities, and other services to provide a decent life for citizens.

Abdel Aal added that the state has also been keen on improving citizens’ living conditions and developing the infrastructure of all utilities of the new projects implemented by the state. In addition, several health and social initiatives were launched to enhance the quality of life for citizens.

Abdel Aal also said Cairo is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a history of over 1054 years. It also boasts more than five hundred Islamic monuments as well as Pharaonic, Roman, and Coptic landmarks. Cairo is also renowned as a prominent global tourist destination.

For his part, the President of the Ivorian National Assembly, Adama Bictogo, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he received from the Egyptian people and government authorities, emphasizing the strong ties between Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire reflected in the deep connection between the leaders of the two countries.

Additionally, Bictogo expressed his desire to sign a memorandum of understanding between the two sides, inviting the Cairo governor to visit Cote d'Ivoire and send a delegation of Cairo experts to explain the successful experience in eliminating informal settlements for the benefit of the Ivorian nation.

The meeting was attended by deputy governors, the assistant secretary-general, and several officials of Cairo governorate. It also featured documentaries showcasing road axes projects and the development project of informal settlements.

Source: Media Department, Cairo Governorate​