President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen asserted that Europe is the biggest partner of Egypt in trade and investment, pointing out that Egypt’s geographic location makes it a gateway for Europe to the Middle East and Africa.
Der Leyen’s remarks came during Egypt-EU Investment Conference which kicked off on Saturday in the presence of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
She said that only 100 days have passed since opening a new era of friendship between Egypt and the EU and “we are harvesting the outcome”.
Egypt and the EU inked a comprehensive partnership strategy agreement in March that builds on their strong ties and their decades of partnership, she said.
Europe has a 40% share in direct foreign investments in Egypt, she said, adding that the new agreement takes the strategic partnership to a new level.
There are more than 1,000 European companies waiting for an investment opportunity in Egypt, she said.
