Regional Relations
Africa The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) was established in 1994 in Malawi and currently has 19 members covering 380 million people (over half of Africa's population), including Egypt. In summary the goals of the COMESA treaty is " to facilitate the removal of all structural and institutional weaknesses of member States, and the promotion of peace; security and stability so as to enable them attain sustained development individually and collectively as a regional bloc". As a participant member, Egypt's economic relations with COMESA has been growing.
According to Egyptian sources COMESA now ranks in the top 4 trading blocs for the export of Egyptian goods. For the year 2003, Egypt's exports to COMESA rose to $130.5 million compared to just $38 million in 1997. Imports from COMESA countries are estimated at $188 million, Egypt is also a member of the Organisation of African Unity and a active player in inter - African politics, especially in the role of regional peace broker. A number of regional meetings for OFU, as well as peace negotiation meetings have been held by Cairo for resolution of such conflicts as the Eritrea - Ethiopia border clashes, as well as efforts to bring the Somalian civil war to an end.
By: Meir Javedanfar - All contents of this page are protected by International Copy Right Laws ©
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