Ambassador of Belgium to Egypt Francois Cornet d’Elzius has voiced support and appreciation to Egypt’s efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, and facilitate entry of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians through the Rafah crossing.
The ambassador, whose country is currently president of the European Union, told MENA Belgium supports Egypt’s refusal to displace the Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to its territory.
On the aid provided by his country to Gaza in light of the humanitarian crisis in the strip, he said that Belgium provides great support to UNRWA and delivers tens of millions of euros annually, and also provides basic needs and humanitarian aid, especially for the health sector, including medicines and medical supplies.
The Belgian envoy highlighted the depth of relations binding his country and Egypt in all fields, which is reflected by the mutual visits between the officials of two sides, pointing to the visit made by Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo to Egypt at the end of November, in which he was accompanied by Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Belgium’s envoy praised the strong economic partnership between the two countries, as Egypt is the second commercial partner of Belgium in the Middle East, as well as being an important partner for his country in Africa due to its distinguished geographical location.
He revealed that the coming period will witness more visits by the Belgian officials in light of the role that Egypt plays in the developments taking place in the region.
On the priorities of the current Belgian presidency of the European Union regarding cooperation with Egypt, the ambassador said that there is a rich agenda during the Belgian presidency, which extends for six months.
The partnership council between the two sides is scheduled to hold a meeting as well as sign a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding, all of which are arranged through the European Commission.
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