EU High Representative Josep Borrell Visits Egypt and Lebanon Amid Escalating Gaza Crisis

Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, is set to visit Egypt and Lebanon from 8 to 12 September 2024. This diplomatic mission comes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where a dire humanitarian crisis and the fate of hostages have made the need for a ceasefire increasingly urgent. The visit is part of the EU’s ongoing efforts to engage with regional partners and prevent further escalation of the conflict.

On Monday, Borrell will be in Cairo, where he is scheduled to hold official meetings, including a key discussion with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. During the trip, he will also visit Rafah, on the Egyptian side of the border, for discussions with representatives from the United Nations (UN) agencies and the Emergency Rescue Committee (ERC). Borrell will also inaugurate an EU-funded project aimed at supporting children from Gaza and their caretakers in Egypt.

A major focus of the visit will be the mediation efforts currently being undertaken by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar to broker a ceasefire and alleviate human suffering in Gaza. Borrell will also discuss the wider regional situation with Egyptian officials, emphasizing the EU's commitment to supporting peace initiatives and humanitarian relief.

On Tuesday, Borrell is expected to meet with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty, followed by a joint press conference to be broadcast live on EbS. Later, Borrell will attend a Ministerial Meeting of the League of Arab States in Cairo, where regional leaders will address the ongoing conflict and the broader implications for the region.

Borrell’s mission will continue on Wednesday and Thursday in Lebanon, where he will meet with key Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and General Joseph Aoun, Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. A meeting with Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib is also scheduled, followed by another press conference, the recording of which will be made available on EbS.

Discussions in Lebanon will focus on the EU’s continued support for the country’s resilience and stability, particularly in light of the conflict in Gaza. Borrell will meet with both domestic and international stakeholders, including the UN, to review the impact of the conflict on Lebanon and explore further contributions to peace and stability in the region.