EU Backs Egypt’s Efforts to Promote Security and Stability in the Region

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met today with Dubravka Šuica, the European Union’s Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs, in the presence of Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Egyptians Abroad.

According to the official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency, President El-Sisi welcomed the establishment of the newly created EU Commissioner position for Mediterranean Affairs, emphasizing that it represents a positive step toward strengthening cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Mediterranean countries. He highlighted the growing momentum in Egypt-EU relations, particularly after their upgrade to a strategic and comprehensive partnership in March 2024.

The meeting underscored the need to intensify joint efforts to implement key elements of this partnership, focusing on security, trade, and economic cooperation.

Presidential spokesperson Ambassador Mohamed El-Shinawy noted that discussions included migration issues, stressing the importance of a holistic approach that connects migration with development and promotes legal migration pathways while addressing the root causes of illegal migration.

Commissioner Šuica also sought President El-Sisi’s insights on the latest developments in Gaza, particularly Egypt’s mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire, facilitate hostage and detainee exchanges, and deliver humanitarian aid. Egypt has also been actively working toward the swift reconstruction of Gaza without forced displacement of Palestinians.

The EU official expressed appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in these efforts and reaffirmed the EU’s support for peace initiatives, including efforts to restore stability and establish a Palestinian state as the only viable path to lasting peace.

The situation in Libya, Sudan, and Syria was also discussed, with both sides agreeing on the importance of international efforts to stabilize these nations and protect their citizens.

Commissioner Šuica reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working closely with Egypt to enhance security and stability in the Mediterranean and neighboring regions. She also stressed Egypt’s central role in maintaining regional security and emphasized the EU’s strong support for Egypt’s peace-building efforts.

The meeting also focused on economic cooperation, with both parties discussing ways to boost trade and investment flows to match the growing political and strategic ties between Egypt and the EU.

The EU official emphasized the importance of strengthening trade partnerships, particularly in sectors that enhance economic growth and job creation.