LAS-EU Summit has exceeded our expectations by far: Sisi

CAIRO – 25 February 2019: The first edition of the European Union – Arab League summit held in Egypt’s Sharm el-Shiekh has exceeded expectations, according to Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi.

“I am confident that these discussions have clarified the strategies and the direction of mutual points of interest between the countries here today,” said Sisi, explaining that it was important for countries to sit down and talk together about these issues.

Having these discussions on such a level allows us to move forward together and build a strong strategy together. “This is a high priority for our country and other countries,” Sisi said.

Sisi went on to point out that the different points of views that were present during the summit allowed discussions to be of higher values and to go further, it also allowed us to discuss more and search more into different ways and strategies.

“What connects the Arab and European region are more than those that separate them,” stated Sisi, elaborating that this is something that has become evident over the past few days.

“I am sure that you will agree with me that the success of this summit is not just in the discussions that we have had, but also in the long and strong relations between the countries,” Sisi explains.

“Allow me once more to talk to our nations. Dear nations that love piece, we have finished today the summit […] you are the beneficiaries of our talks and you are the ones who will reap the fruits of these talks. I, therefore, invite you to bypass all the issues that separate you and embrace those things that bring you closer and bring you together.”

Sisi ended his speech saying, “I do not say good bye, but rather farewell until the next Arab-European Summit.”

Sisi also thanked all the world leaders that aided in the successful discussions that took place over the past few days.

“Trade, security and climate change are amongst the two most important things for us to cooperate on,” stated Donald Tusk, President of the European Council.

On the Arab side and the European side, it is important for us to move forward and take positive steps towards cooperation and progress, Tusk explains. “We need to do this through innovation […] we need to face the ever-changing world.”

More cooperation is needed to face poverty, hunger, terrorism, and so many other things, he explained. “We are adamant on working together to face these issues,” Tusk stated.

Although the three things that need cooperation are trade, security and climate change, it is vital to work on other things as well, like those that have been mentioned, to move forward.

“The actions that will follow this summit are far louder than our words,” Tusk continued. It is important for all societies and countries to work together and to reach the important goals that will allow us to move forward, explained Tusk.

The closing ceremony of the summit saw both Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, Egypt’s President, giving speeches.

The European Union (EU)-Arab League (AL) summit, which started on Sunday, February 24, in the presence of tens of presidents, kings, prime ministers, ministers and high level personnel from different countries from the Arab and European regions, has come to an end on Monday.

Sisi inaugurated on Sunday the 1st European Union (EU)-Arab League (AL) summit, which will be focusing on strengthening regional security and stability and enhancing cooperation and partnership.