Ashraf AboArafe
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell, and the Vice-President of the European Commission, in the presence of Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, and a number of senior European Commission officials.
The spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, said the President emphasized the importance of the European Union within the framework of Egypt’s foreign policy, both in terms of being Egypt’s first trading partner, and in light of the diverse and longstanding ties between the two sides and the common challenges they are facing on the two banks of the Mediterranean.
Mr. Borrell lauded the outstanding relations Egypt and the European Union shared, confirming Egypt’s political weight regionally and internationally, as well as its role as a cornerstone for security and stability in the region, which is passing through a stage of turmoil. He asserted that this makes Egypt a key and valued strategic partner of the European Union and its member States.
The meeting reviewed various aspects of the institutional relations between Egypt and the European Union. The two sides emphasized commitment to further promoting cooperation and mutual dialogue so as to strengthen their friendly relations, in light of the common interests and challenges, particularly with regard to combating illegal migration and terrorism.
The meeting also addressed ongoing coordination on a number of international and regional issues, particularly developments in the Sudanese crisis. The European official commended Egypt’s efforts for hosting Sudanese refugees and for its efforts to restore calm and consolidate a ceasefire. The meeting also focused on the latest in the Palestinian cause in light of the recent developments. The two sides agreed to intensify efforts to achieve peace and a settlement for the Palestinian issue, in accordance with the international fundamentals and terms of reference, in a manner that shall restore the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and reinforce the security and development of all peoples of the region.
The talks also touched on the latest developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. The President stressed the importance of intensifying international action to avoid and contain the economic effects of the crisis on the world economy and developing countries specifically, given its repercussions on the world’s food, energy and finance markets.
