Egyptian president discusses regional, global crises with EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement

CAIRO – 2 June 2022: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received Wednesday at Al Itihadiyah Presidential Palace European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi holding talks on political, economic, and development affairs.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry and European Union Ambassador to Cairo Christian Berger.

The president stressed that Europe remains the top trade partner to Egypt, and that the two parties are in the same boat in respect of Mediterranean-related challenges. The chief of state added that the European Union has been a significant player in the ongoing development process in the country, and that extends to various sectors.

The two parties expressed satisfaction with the growth of institutional cooperation between the EU and Egypt, and keenness on maintaining coordination and dialogue, the Egyptian Presidency's statement indicated.

The regional and international crises discussed, included the Russia-Ukraine War, Palestinian Cause, Libya and illegal migration. With regard to the war, President Sisi and the EU commissioner conferred over its repercussions on food and energy.

As for the Palestinian Cause, the two parties exchanged views on joining forces to enhance the living conditions and services at Gaza Strip in alignment with the Egyptian initiative for reconstruction worth $500 million and that began in 2021.  

Regarding Libya, the Egyptian president and the EU commissioner congrued on the salience of accelerating the process that would lead to holding elections. In that framework, President Sisi underscored the importance of terminating armed militias, and extremist groups, whose existence obstruct accomplishing stability and peace.

Speaking of illegal migration, the EU commissioner commended the efforts deployed by Egypt in that realm so as no single illegal migrant has taken off Egyptian shores since 2016, although Egypt hosts more than six million migrants of diverse nationalities and who enjoy all basic rights.

Addressing a very vital issue to Egypt, President Sisi described the dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as an existential matter to Egypt and its people. On that front, the chief of state asserted that the Egyptian stance on the issue is fixed as it would not compromise on sealing a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam in alignment with relevant international laws.