Up And Down Beirut
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with European Union Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Dr. Badr Abdel-Atty.
Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy said President El-Sisi emphasized that the establishment of the post of EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean in the new structure of the European Commission marks a positive step that will contribute to enhancing cooperation between the European Union and the Mediterranean countries.
The President underscored the momentum in Egyptian-European relations, particularly after upgrading them to the level of a strategic and comprehensive partnership, starting in March 2024. President El-Sisi stressed the necessity to strengthen joint efforts to implement the key areas related to that partnership.
The meeting also reviewed the significance of collaboration on the migration file; the necessity to follow a comprehensive approach that links migration with development; fostering cooperation on regular migration and addressing the root causes of illegal migration.
The EU Commissioner was keen on getting a better understanding of the President’s perspective on developments in Gaza, including Egypt’s efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement, exchange hostages and detainees, deliver humanitarian aid to the area, and push for the swift start of the reconstruction process in Gaza without displacing the Palestinians. She affirmed the European Union’s appreciation of these efforts.
In this regard, the significance of the EU’s support for endeavors aimed at restoring calm, achieving stability and establishing a Palestinian state, as the only guarantee for lasting peace in the region, was confirmed during the meeting. The two sides also exchanged views on the developments in Libya, Sudan, and Syria, with a focus on the need to exert the necessary efforts to achieve stability in these countries and ensure the safety of their citizens.
The EU Commissioner confirmed the importance of relations between the EU and Egypt. She pointed out Egypt’s pivotal role in achieving security and stability in the region, and expressed the EU’s support for Egypt’s efforts in this regard. Additionally, she affirmed the importance of elevating trade and investment cooperation between Egypt and the EU to be commensurate with the political momentum characterizing the relationship between both sides.
