Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for stronger international burden-sharing to help countries hosting large refugee and migrant populations, during talks with the head of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in Vienna on Thursday.
Abdelatty met ICMPD Director General Susanne Raab on the sidelines of his visit to the Austrian capital, where the two discussed expanding cooperation on migration governance and mobility.
The minister praised the partnership between Egypt and ICMPD, saying it reflected a shared commitment to strengthening coordination and broadening cooperation on migration issues. He also welcomed the organization's support for several projects in Egypt through the Migration Partnership Facility.
Abdelatty said Egypt follows a comprehensive approach to migration that addresses its humanitarian, political, security and development dimensions. He reiterated Egypt's commitment to promoting safe and regular migration pathways, particularly legal labor mobility to European markets, in line with labor market needs and the interests of both sides.
The minister also highlighted the pressures Egypt faces as a major host country for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, saying they receive basic services and enjoy their rights without discrimination alongside Egyptian citizens.
He said the policy places increasing economic and development burdens on the country and stressed the importance of refugees and asylum seekers regularizing their legal status in accordance with Egyptian laws and regulations.
Abdelatty called for greater implementation of the principle of international burden- and responsibility-sharing, saying increased support for host countries would help finance development programs and joint initiatives while ensuring the sustainable provision of services to refugees, migrants and host communities.
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