President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met yesterday Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, along with a high-level delegation that included the EU’s envoy to the Middle East peace process. Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati and the EU Ambassador to Egypt attended the meeting..
According to a statement from the Presidency, discussions during the meeting focused on the strong and enduring relations between Egypt and the European Union, Presidency Spokesman Ahmed Fahmy said, adding that both sides praised the recent momentum in their co-operation as so was highlighted by the announcement of a strategic partnership and the convening of the Egypt-EU Investment Conference in recent months.
The discussions reaffirmed reciprocal commitment to exploring new avenues for collaboration within this strategic partnership, particularly in areas such as investment, trade, energy, migration, and environmental issues, to address common challenges and mutual interests, Spokesman Fahmy said.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the situation in Gaza and the broader Middle East. The talks covered the intense efforts by Egypt and its partners to secure a ceasefire, facilitate the exchange of hostages and detainees, and alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe facing Gaza’s inhabitants.
President Sisi emphasised the importance of halting the ongoing escalation, warning that it could further expand the conflict. He urged the international community and the European Union to intensify pressure to reach an agreement that would end the current war, including the violence and unrest in the West Bank, to defuse tensions and restore regional security and stability, Spokesman Fahmy said.
During the meeting, Josep Borrell expressed deep appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role as a pillar of stability in the region. He stressed the EU’s interest in maintaining close consultations with Egypt and supporting its ongoing efforts to preserve regional stability during these challenging times. President Sisi, in turn, commended Borrell’s objective and fair stance on key issues over the past period, the spokesman said.
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