Egypt’s FM Praises Progress in EU Relations, Urges Stronger European Role in Gaza Ceasefire Efforts

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, has praised the growing momentum in relations between Egypt and the European Union, describing it as a model of expanding strategic cooperation.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Abdelatty highlighted the “remarkable progress” achieved since the two sides agreed in March 2024 to upgrade their ties to a Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership.

During his meeting with European Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, the minister reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to advancing the six main pillars of the partnership framework, ensuring that mutual interests between Cairo and Brussels are effectively realized.

The discussion also focused on regional developments, particularly the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Abdelatty warned that conditions in the enclave have reached “the brink of famine,” urging the EU to take concrete and effective measures to pressure Israel into declaring an immediate ceasefire and to uphold international humanitarian law.

He briefed the European official on Egypt’s continuous efforts to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Rafah and Karm Abu Salem crossings, despite ongoing challenges and security risks.

Abdelatty also outlined Egypt’s preparations to host the International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza immediately following a ceasefire, emphasizing Cairo’s readiness to coordinate closely with the EU and international donors to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable post-war recovery plan.

“The partnership between Egypt and the European Union has entered a new phase, one that goes beyond dialogue to tangible cooperation addressing the region’s most urgent challenges,” the minister stated.

The EU has been one of Egypt’s largest trading partners and a key development ally, with both sides emphasizing the need to strengthen collaboration in areas such as energy transition, migration management, and regional stability amid the Gaza conflict.