Egypt, EU Discuss Strengthening Strategic Partnership, Regional Developments

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and European Union Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica held political consultations on Saturday to discuss ways to deepen Egypt-EU cooperation and exchange views on regional and international developments, Egypt's foreign ministry said.

Abdelatty welcomed the progress in relations since last year's Egypt-EU summit, saying it had given fresh momentum to implementing the six pillars of the strategic and comprehensive partnership between Egypt and the European Union.

He affirmed the need to build on the outcomes of both the summit and the 11th meeting of the Egypt-EU Association Council, held in Luxembourg in mid-June, according to the ministry.

The minister called for expanding cooperation in trade, investment and other economic sectors, describing economic ties as a cornerstone of the partnership. He also expressed appreciation for EU support for Egypt's economic reform programme and financial stability, as well as cooperation in education, scientific research and skills development through initiatives including Horizon Europe and Erasmus+.

Abdelatty underscored the importance of adopting a long-term strategic approach to migration and mobility that extends beyond short-term crisis management.

He also welcomed the launch of the Mediterranean Pact, describing it as an important step toward strengthening Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to working with its European partners on the basis of mutual respect and shared responsibility, while presenting Cairo's proposals for initiatives and projects under the framework.

The consultations also covered regional developments, including the U.S.-Iran negotiation track.

According to the foreign ministry, Abdelatty briefed Šuica on Egypt's assessment of the rapidly evolving regional situation and Cairo's diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts across the region.

He said recent momentum generated by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran should be built upon to advance more sustainable arrangements that contribute to de-escalation, strengthen regional security and stability, and safeguard freedom of navigation in line with international law.

The minister also called for renewed international focus on the Palestinian issue to facilitate implementation of the first phase of the U.S. peace plan and advance to its second phase.

Abdelatty further outlined Egypt's positions on developments in Lebanon, Libya and Sudan, the ministry said.

For her part, Šuica reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to further strengthening its strategic and comprehensive partnership with Egypt, describing the country as a key EU partner in the southern Mediterranean.

She also praised Egypt's role in promoting regional security and stability, as well as its efforts to address common challenges and enhance cooperation across the Mediterranean, according to the ministry.