Shoukry, EU Commission Vice-President Discuss Illegal Immigration

Foreign Minister (FM) Sameh Shoukry received Margaret Schinas, Vice-President of the European Union (EU) Commission and the accompanying delegation. 

The meeting witnessed an exchange of views on a number of key issues, within the framework of the multifaceted historical relations that bring together Egypt and EU, especially the efforts to address the phenomenon of illegal immigration.

In this regard, FM reviewed the Egyptian vision to deal with this phenomenon, which is based on a comprehensive approach that extends to the developmental and social aspects.

Moreover, Shoukry also indicated that Egypt is hosting nearly 9 million refugees and immigrants, asking for European support for the Egyptian state's efforts to prevent illegal immigration flows across its borders.

The talks also dealt with ways to enhance economic cooperation between Egypt and the EU, as Shoukry was keen to stress the importance of the investment component in the relations between both sides, in light of the investment opportunities that Egypt possesses.

He also shedlight on a number of promising projects between Egypt and EU, foremost of which are the electrical interconnection projects between Egypt and the northern Mediterranean countries.

On his part, Schinas affirmed the European Union's (EU) support for various activities that would promote investment in Egypt, noting that it always encourages European companies and banks such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to enhance their investments in Egypt to achieve the best interest of both parties.