FM Receives European Comm. for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received today, Monday, European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between Egypt and the European Union in the field of migration, official spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ahmed Hafez tweeted.

Shoukry pointed out to the comprehensive approach adopted by the Egyptian government to deal with various migration flows, adding that the government followed an approach based on respect for the human rights of migrants and refugees, and allowing their integration into Egyptian society while eliminating all forms of discrimination.

He also stressed the importance of creating pathways for legal immigration to Europe as one of the solutions to the phenomenon of illegal immigration. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation to create pathways for legal immigration, in light of the European market's need for skilled Egyptian workers.

Shoukry reviewed the Egyptian vision on combating illegal immigration, pointing to the efforts made by Egypt in hosting more than 6 million refugees and migrants who enjoy all the services provided to the Egyptian citizen.

For her part, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs expressed her appreciation for the efforts made by Egypt in combating illegal immigration and hosting refugees and migrants, stressing the European Union's support for Egypt in this regard, and working to strengthen cooperation between the two sides.