The Embassy of Republic of Egypt in India celebrated the occasion of ‘Africa Day’ on May 23rd, 2008 at the Embassy premises in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. This occasion was a opportunity for the African countries to strengthen the ties with India and the subcontinent at large as well as allowed the diplomats of African countries in India interact socially with each other.

‘Africa Day’ is commemorates the founding of the ‘Organisation of African Unity’ on the 25 May, 1963, which became the ‘African Union’ in July 2002 after amalgamating with the African Economic Community. By establishing of the organisation the leaders of the then independent Africa gave significant impetus to the continent's collective but then incomplete struggle for independence. The ‘African Union’ recently gained a higher profile internationally as a result of its peacekeeping activities in Darfur.

The Africa Day has been a great occasion in African countries and around the world to bring the African countries together to work for the greater political stability and rapid socio-economic development in the region as well as to showcase the African culture and strengthen their relationship with rest of the world.

Explaining the idea behind organising ‘Africa Day’, Hon’ble Ambassador of Republic of Egypt, H E Mohamed Hamid Higazy said, “We wish to seize this opportunity to express our deep gratitude towards our international partners from this region for the constant interest and support that they continue to lend to our efforts for integration and development of our continent. The African continent must build a united front in building a secure future for itself and its people. As we observe the rise of Asian giants, particularly, India and China, we must take up the challenge of ensuring that we claim the twenty-first century as Africa’s. We can only achieve this, if we can work together among ourselves and with developing countries like India to pronounce Africa's arrival on the global scene as a vibrant and decisive player.”

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