Ashraf AboArafe
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, will travel to Egypt and Lebanon from 8 to 12 September.
The visit takes place against the background of the war in Gaza, where the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the fate of hostages make an urgent ceasefire ever more critical. The mission forms part of the EU’s continuous regional outreach to prevent further escalation.
On Monday, the HR/VP will be in Cairo for official meetings, including with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. He will also travel to Rafah (Egyptian side) for meetings with representatives of the UN agencies on the ground and of the Emergency Rescue Committee (ERC). The HR/VP will also inaugurate an EU-funded project to help Gazan children and those who take care of them in Egypt.
Mediation efforts, undertaken by Egypt, the US and Qatar, will feature high on the agenda, as will the EU’s role in alleviating human suffering in the Strip. The two sides will also discuss the regional situation.
On Tuesday, the HR/VP will meet with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. A joint press conference will be transmitted live on EbS.
The HR/VP will also attend a Ministerial meeting of the League of Arab States in Cairo.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the HR/VP will be in Lebanon where he will meet – among others – Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun.
The HR/VP will also have a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib. A press conference is foreseen, the recording will be available on EBS.
The EU’s support to Lebanon’ resilience and stability, as well as its regional role will be reviewed with a range of domestic and international stakeholders, including the UN.
The mission will be an opportunity to discuss all aspects of the situation in and around Gaza and wider political issues with regional leaders, notably the impact of the conflict on neighbouring countries and their respective contributions to peace and stability efforts.
