Egypt, EU Agree on Reviving Peace Negotiations in Middle East

On Sunday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed his aspiration for the continuation of the European Union’s (EU) role in supporting the Palestinian cause at all levels, as he met with the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans.

Receiving Koopmans in Cairo, Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s aspiration to continue cooperation with the EU during the coming period to push forward the path for peace in the Middle East, the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Their meeting comes a month after Israel and Palestinian factions agreed on an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire ended 11 days of Israeli airstrikes that killed more than 250 and injured thousands of Palestinians.

Shoukry affirmed to Koopmans that Egypt continues to exert efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in the enclave to achieve the desired calm and stability.

These efforts come in parallel with the reconstruction efforts and the efforts to meet the developmental needs of the Palestinian people during the coming period, Shoukry noted.

The Egyptian FM also affirmed the necessity for a real political will and an appropriate climate to revive the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations path urgently and establish an independent Palestinian state.

Shoukry affirmed the need that this Palestinian state be established on the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The minister also congratulated Koopmans on assuming the post.

Koopmans hailed Egypt’s role in supporting the peace efforts in the Middle East, which caused a ceasefire to be reached in the Gaza Strip.

The EU diplomat also praised Egypt’s continuous endeavor to achieve Palestinian reconciliation.

He expressed his keenness to continue coordination and consultation with Egypt to support the current endeavor to push forward the peace path.

Koopmans underscored the importance of the role of the quartet in the Middle East during the coming period and how it contributes to achieving security and stability in the region.