Abou El-Enein Assumes Egypt's Presidency of Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean

In a significant diplomatic milestone, Egypt has assumed the presidency of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), with Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives Mohamed Abou El-Enein, formally receiving the presidency during the 9th Summit of Speakers and 18th Plenary Session held in Spain.

The handover comes at a time of unprecedented challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean region, marked by escalating conflicts, mounting humanitarian crises, and growing calls for deeper regional integration.

A Call for Shared Responsibility and Regional Unity

In his keynote address during the official handover ceremony, Abou El-Enein emphasized Egypt’s unwavering commitment since the inception of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) to the principles of shared ownership and collective responsibility. These principles, he argued, are essential for achieving sustainable growth and prosperity for the peoples of the region.

“Egypt has always believed that no real cooperation can take place without laying the foundation for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” he declared. “At the heart of this foundation lies the unassailable right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy.”

The summit took place under the looming shadow of the ongoing war in Gaza, which Abou El-Enein described as an “act of genocide” by Israeli forces. He warned that Israel’s continued escalation and disregard for international law undermine efforts to foster meaningful cooperation between member states of the Union.

Despite the the union’s accomplishments in development and regional integration programs, the Egyptian deputy speaker cautioned that the intensifying regional crisis threatens to derail these gains. “The current phase is critical. It demands unified efforts and coordinated activities to confront the threats to security and development in the region,” he said.

Highlighting Egypt’s balanced and proactive diplomacy, Abou El-Enein underscored the country’s dual-track approach—both governmental and parliamentary—rooted in dialogue, mutual respect, and regional stability. “Egyptian diplomacy is founded on the language of cooperation,” he affirmed, noting that parliamentary engagement plays a key role in bridging gaps and fostering consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Parliamentary Assembly Echoes Egypt's Stance

At the close of the session, members of the PA-UfM issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s violations in Gaza, calling for senior Israeli officials to be referred to the International Criminal Court. The Assembly reiterated its support for Egypt’s unwavering stance on the Palestinian issue, particularly its categorical rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians and its demand for a sovereign Palestinian state in line with international resolutions.

Egypt’s new leadership of the Assembly signals not only a shift in parliamentary momentum within the Mediterranean basin but also a reaffirmation of Cairo’s central role as a mediator, advocate, and voice for justice in the region.