Egypt and Burkina Faso Strengthen Economic and Security Ties During High-Level Talks in Cairo

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty announced on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, that bilateral relations between Egypt and Burkina Faso have gained significant momentum. Speaking during a joint press conference with Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation Karamoko Jean Marie Traore at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in the New Capital, Abdelatty highlighted the strong fraternal ties and joint political will driving the partnership forward.

The talks focused heavily on enhancing bilateral cooperation in line with directives from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Burkina Faso President Captain Ibrahim Traore. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's steadfast support for Sahel states—including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—in their ongoing counterterrorism efforts and stabilization campaigns, while also condemning a recent failed coup attempt in Niger. Egypt offered comprehensive support, ranging from security training and capacity-building programs to training young imams from the Sahel through Al-Azhar Al-Sharif.

Economic cooperation took center stage as the two countries engaged business leaders. A joint business forum featuring around 80 senior business leaders aimed to forge private sector partnerships. Discussions identified specific investment projects in sectors such as food, energy, and pharmaceuticals, with the Burkinabe foreign minister slated to visit the Egypt Pharmaceutical City. Furthermore, Abdelatty invited Burkinabe business leaders to the upcoming El Alamein Business Forum and the Aswan Forum scheduled for November.

Emphasizing the importance of regional stability, the Burkinabe foreign minister stressed that tackling extremism requires a comprehensive approach combining security measures with economic and cultural development. He also praised the Confederation established in 2024 by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Concluding the talks, Abdelatty reiterated that Africa remains a central pillar of Egyptian foreign policy, backed by newly established funding and investment mechanisms designed to foster continental development.