Egypt looks forward to boosting bilateral co-operation between the two countries at various levels especially trade exchanges in the light of the major development projects
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reiterated Egypt’s keenness to combat the phenomenon of illegal migration, referring to the Egyptian efforts to address the movement of refugees across the Mediterranean successfully, based on Egypt’s responsibility towards its citizens as well as towards the security of its partners.
The president’s remarks came during his meeting with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman in the presence of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri, Croatian Ambassador in Cairo Tomislav Bošnjak, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Bassam Radi said.
During the meeting, the president stressed the importance of dealing with the migration file within the framework of shared responsibility, noting that it is important not to focus on security solutions only without addressing the root causes of the economic and development problem in the source countries. He indicated that Egypt hosts about 6 million people of various African, Arab and other nationalities who enjoy all basic rights.
The president emphasised the historical, friendly relations between Egypt and Croatia. He added that Egypt looks forward to boosting bilateral co-operation between the two countries at various levels especially trade exchanges in the light of the major development projects being implemented in Egypt and the huge investment and industrial opportunities they offer.
The president and the Croatian foreign minister also reviewed the developments of a number of regional issues of mutual interest, including the Libyan file. President Sisi underscored the importance of concerted efforts to support the current political track that aims to preserve the existence of the state and its national institutions, leading to the election process at the end of this year.
For his part, the Croatian FM asserted his country’s keenness to maintain coordination and consultation with Egypt in various fields. He added that Croatia looks forward to developing and strengthening relations with Egypt, especially in the light of its pivotal role under the leadership of President Sisi to lay the foundations of stability and security in the Middle East and the African continent.
The Croatian foreign minister also stressed keenness to continue co-operation with Egypt at various levels to address the challenges facing the two shores of the Mediterranean. In this context, he praised Egypt’s efforts to strengthen bridges of dialogue between African, Arab and other countries in the European Union.
He added that Croatia supports Egypt’s stance and will convey it to the European Union, in the light of the direct relationship between security in Europe and the situation in the Middle East and North Africa.
Also yesterday, Foreign Minister Shoukri received his Croatian counterpart and reviewed ways of boosting bilateral relations between both countries. They also discussed a number of regional files of mutual interest.
