Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy arrived at dawn on Thursday in the Nigerian capital Abuja to head an Egyptian delegation that would participate in the International Summit On Human Security, Peace and Development.
The summit is being held on the occasion of 100 years over Nigeria's unification.
Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Badr Abdel Aaty said that Fahmy conveyed the greetings and congratulations of interim President Adly Mansour to the Nigerian president on their national occassion and discussed means to develop bilateral relations.
Fahmy also held direct talks with the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.
Abdel Aaty said the foreign minister addressed his opposition to the African Union's Peace and Security Council decision to ban Egypt as a result of the 30 June uprising. Fahmy also stressed the importance of cancelling the decision as soon as possible, as the government has already made many steps to implement the democratic road map and would hold the presidential elections now that the constitution was ratified by an overwhelming majority.
The minister invited the African Union to follow-up after the next presidential election in Egypt.
The Nigerian president expressed appreciation for Egypt's government and people and thanked Fahmy for meeting Nigeria's invitation and attending the summit, Abdel Aaty said.
He added that the Nigerian president also agreed that both Egypt and Nigeria needed to further develop their bilateral relations in a diverse range of fields.
Abdel Aaty also said that Jonathan upheld Fahmy's statement that Egypt needed to resume its activities at the African Union, adding that the presidential elections would be a milestone in this regard.
Hazem al-Beblawy was originally scheduled to head the Egyptian delegation, though when he resigned, Fahmy took his place.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
