Egypt is essential strategic partner to Europe: European Union Council president

CAIRO – 15 March 2022: President of the Council of the European Union Charles Michel said Tuesday that Egypt is an essential strategic partner to Europe, and that such deep relations are manifested in the recent momentum in joint cooperation.

Michel's statements came during a meeting with Ambassador Badr Abdel Aty, who was submitting his letter of credence to become Egypt's envoy to the European Union (EU). Abdel Aty is also ambassador to Belgium, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and permanent representative at NATO.

The Egyptian diplomat displayed the comprehensive modernization process Egypt is undertaking, and its achievements on the political, economic, and social scales. He also presented the efforts deployed by the country to promote the values of citizenship.

On the legislative level, Ambassador Abdel Aty showcased that the House of Representatives had passed a new bill regulating the work of NGOs, and that the government had issued the National Strategy for Human Rights.

That is in addition to executing a number of initiatives and programmes that are aimed at improving the living conditions of citizens and securing them a decent life, which was commended by President Michel.

In that context, the meeting tackled the cooperation between Egypt and the EU in various developmental fields, and in manufacturing vaccines. That is in light of Egypt's bid to become a center for vaccine production and export to the African continent, given the country's scientific, technical, infrastructure, and storage capabilities.  

Similarly, the EU council president and the Egyptian ambassador discussed partnerships in the fields of renewable energy, liquefied gas, and clean energy. The latter presented the steps made by Egypt to produce green hydrogen as well as the solar photovoltaic power plants and wind farms accomplished by Egypt.

On his side, President Michel described Egypt as a vital strategic partner to Europe in the energy sector. He also expressed his keenness on continuous communication with President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi because of his wisdom in dealing with different issues and crises on the regional and international levels.