AP Focuses on Egypt-EU Security, Trade Talks in Brussels

The American news agency, the Associated Press (AP), highlighted the summit between Egypt and the European Union in the Belgian capital, Brussels, noting that it is the first official joint summit between the two sides.

The agenda is topped by security, trade, and migration files, in addition to developments in the Gaza Strip.

​The AP explained in its news report that the summit is attended by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa.

During the summit, Egypt is expected to announce its joining of the European "Horizon" program for scientific research and innovation, which has a budget of 175 billion euros (about $202.7 billion), covering fields extending from quantum technology to space industries.

​It pointed out that the summit comes at a time when the 27-nation European Union is seeking to strengthen its trade and security partnerships amidst accelerating geopolitical shifts resulting from the sharp policies of US President Donald Trump and the economic measures imposed by China under President Xi Jinping.

​The "Mediterranean Pact" is part of this European strategy, as Brussels seeks to deepen its relations with the countries of the Southern Mediterranean in an effort to curb the flow of migrants to Europe.

​The report added that the European Union is Egypt's largest trading partner, noting that during the signing of a joint document last year, an aid package worth 7.4 billion euros (about $8.6 billion) was announced for Egypt, including loans, investments, and support for specific programs, including the migration file.

​It indicated that irregular migration constitutes a key issue at the summit, as Brussels and Cairo express shared concern about migrant flows. 

Waves of asylum and migration to Europe over the past decade have led to the rise of populist right-wing movements and the tightening of border restrictions, which has faced widespread criticism from human rights organizations.