‘Egypt-EU strategic partnership provides strong co-operation framework’

Estonian President Alar Karis asserted that the strategic partnership between the European Union (EU) and Egypt provides a strong framework to boost bilateral co-operation.

Estonia supports this partnership as it is a means to achieve joint economic and security benefits with Egypt, he said, pointing out that both countries could benefit from the EU’s resources to support sustainable development and regional stability via rallying efforts and co-operation in different sectors, including trade, security and digitisation.

In statements to MENA, Karis said that co-operation between Egypt and Estonia could lead to attracting more EU-backed investments and promoting co-operation projects.

He asserted that the relations with Egypt entered a new phase by this historic visit, the first visit of an Estonian president from over 30 years.

He said that his visit to Egypt aims at promoting political, economic and cultural ties, adding that Estonia sees Egypt as an important partner in the fields of digitalisation, cybersecurity and education in addition to creating more opportunities of commercial cooperation between both countries.

On Gaza, Karis said that his country supports Egypt’s role as a peace maker and fully encourages the two-state solution, expressing deep concern over the escalations in the Middle East.

Egypt plays an important role in the efforts exerted to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid supplies to the enclave, he said.

He asserted the dire need to reach a ceasefire, increase the flow of humanitarian aid supplies entering Gaza and support the UNRWA work in providing basic needs of the Palestinian refugees.

He asserted the importance of stability in the Middle East not only for the region but also for world peace and security. 

Karis urged the international community to work to reach a peaceful solution on the basis of the international law and humanitarian principles.

He asserted the importance of international co-operation to achieve stability in the Middle East and Ukraine.