Egypt stresses need to implement 2-state solution as only option for achieving peace
EU lauds Cairo’s role in safeguarding ME stability, security
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi had a meeting on Thursday with the President of the European Parliament Ms. Roberta Metsola, during which the two sides discussed ways of deepening bilateral relations, particularly in economic, investment, and trade co-operation, and also advancing the strategic and comprehensive partnership between Egypt and the EU.
The meeting was attended by Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr. Hanafi Gebali, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Dr. Badr Abdel-Aati, and Ambassador of the European Union to Cairo Angelina Eichhorst.
At the outest of the meeting, President Sisi congratulated Ms. Metsola on assuming her new post and emphasised Egypt’s commitment to strengthening partnership with the European Union, including enhancing parliamentary relations to promote effective communication between the peoples of both sides, the Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shenawy said.
He added that the meeting also stressed the importance of continued collaboration on migration and counter-terrorism, with an emphasis on supporting Egypt’s efforts to combat illegal immigration.
In this respect, President Sisi highlighted Egypt’s role as a frontline defender for Europe, hosting over nine million foreign nationals due to regional crises. He noted that Egypt has lost about $7 billion in Suez Canal revenues in 2024, as a result of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels near Bab al-Mandab amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, said the spokesman.
The two sides exchanged views on the regional situation. President Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, secure the release of hostages and captives, and facilitate humanitarian aid access to the Strip. The President emphasised the need to implement the two-state solution as the only option for achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region, stressing the necessity of working to prevent further escalation of the conflict and to enhance efforts to restore regional security and peace, in addition to the underpinning of the ceasefire in Lebanon and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The meeting also discussed the situation in Syria, with President Sisi reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to Syria’s unity and territorial integrity. He also stressed that the political process must include every spectrum of Syria’s society. The President underlined that Egypt would always stand with the Syrian people.
Both sides also discussed the situation in Libya, Sudan, and Somalia. President El-Sisi underscored Egypt’s keenness on the unity, security, and stability of these countries.
The President of the European Parliament expressed the European Union’s deep appreciation for Egypt and the wise role it plays in safeguarding the stability and security of the region and its peoples, stressing EU’s interest to further enhance coordination and consultation with Egypt on all issues of mutual interest.
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