CAIRO– Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed anticipation for the first-ever Egypt-EU summit to be held in the near future, aiming to maintain the momentum in Egyptian relations with the European bloc.
Abdelatty said the summit would help strengthen cooperation and coordination across political, economic, security, and scientific fields, within the framework of implementing the six pillars of the strategic partnership between both sides. He noted the summit would build on recent positive developments in relations with the EU, particularly following European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Cairo in March 2024 and the issuance of the joint declaration elevating Egypt-EU relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.His remarks came during a meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa on Monday evening, on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia.
The meeting also addressed developments in the Gaza Strip, with Abdelatty highlighting the catastrophic humanitarian situation, which has reached the level of famine. He stressed the need for intensified regional and international efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and urged the international community to play its role in putting an end to Israel’s flagrant violations in Gaza and the West Bank.
The minister called on the European Union to pressure Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.Abdelatty also warned of the dangers posed by Israel’s settlement policies and expanded military operations, which aim to undermine the establishment of a Palestinian state. He emphasized the importance of pressuring Israel to accept a proposed ceasefire plan, allow unhindered humanitarian aid access, and stop insisting on unreasonable conditions.
He voiced hope that the EU would take concrete steps to halt Israeli violations and push for compliance with international and humanitarian law.
