9 October 2023 – CCCPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) with the aim of enhancing collaboration in areas of common interest, specifically peacebuilding; disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR); dialogue and mediation; and the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda, among others.

The MoU establishes a framework of cooperation between the two institutions to advance sustaining peace efforts consistent with Egypt and Sweden’s commitment to strengthen regional and international peace and security. CCCPA and FBA have closely collaborated on capacity building for many years, and this MoU will further cement and expand this partnership going forward. 

The Signing Ceremony took place on the sidelines of a training course on DDR and Youth jointly organized by CCCPA and FBA, expanding on the two institutions’ fruitful DDR cooperation. The ceremony witnessed the participation of H.E. Håkan Emsgård, Swedish Ambassador to Egypt; Mr. Stefan Astrom, Head of the DDR Program at FBA – representing Director General of FBA Mr. Per Olsson Fridh; as well as the training course facilitators and participants.

In his remarks, CCCPA Director General Ambassador Ahmed Abdel-Latif stated that “the relationship between CCCPA and FBA has been a close one over the years, as both institutions engaged in joint activities such as capacity building, workshops and sharing of expertise.” He indicated that the MoU will further reinforce this partnership, and boost such joint efforts to advance sustainable peace and development. 

On his part, Ambassador Emsgård highlighted Sweden’s commitment to strengthening peace and security, while underlining the importance of linking capacity building efforts, knowledge sharing, as well as needs assessments conducted by both CCCPA and FBA. Ambassador Emsgård also expressed his appreciation for CCCPA’s efforts and the partnerships it has established with numerous Swedish institutions. 

Meanwhile, commenting on behalf of FBA Director General, Mr. Stefan Astrom, Head of the DDR Program at FBA, expressed his pleasure at the signing of the MoU, particularly because it marks the beginning of a new cooperation activity between the two institutions. He also highlighted that the MoU has the potential to expand their collaboration efforts into various thematic areas and processes – to address complex and evolving conflict dynamics. 

FBA is the Swedish government agency for peace, security and development., duly organized under the Government of Sweden and operating under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.