Egypt’s FM Shoukry discuss protection of migrants, refugees with EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs

CAIRO – 12 June 2021:  Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry meet, Monday with the European Union's Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs Ylva Johansson in Brussels.

According to spokesperson Ahmed Hafez, the two officials discussed cooperation in the fields of migration, asylum along with means to promote regular migration pathways, protection of migrants and refugees and developing regional and international cooperation in these areas.

وزير الخارجية #سامح_شكري يلتقي بمفوضة #الاتحاد_الأوروبي للهجرة والشئون الداخلية #إيلفا_يوهانسون لبحث التعاون بين الجانبين في مجالي الهجرة واللجوء، وكيفية دعم مسارات الهجرة النظامية، وتعزيز حماية المهاجرين واللاجئين، وتطوير التعاون الإقليمي والدولي في هذه المجالات.
🇪🇬 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/Vyv4bBAcG7

— Egypt MFA Spokesperson (@MfaEgypt) July 12, 2021

Earlier on Monday, Shoukry discussed several issues of mutual concern with his European Union counterparts during a working breakfast in Brussels.

According to spokesperson Ahmed Hafez, the minsters tackled several national and international issues including illegal immigration and human rights.

The Minsters affirmed during the gathering the strategic relations between Egypt and the EU, which considers to be Cairo’s first trade and investment partner. The discussed the importance of increasing the European investment in Egypt.

The talks also tackled The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the Middle East peace process and the situation in Libya.

The EU officials expressed appreciation to Egypt’s vital role in the MENA region on all levels to achieve regional security and stability.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry headed Sunday to Brussels to deliver a message from President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to the president of the European Union Council.

On July 8, Minister Shokry delivered a speech explaining Egypt's vision and stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) crisis at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) session held on the issue.

The minister had been to New York housing the UNSC's headquarters since July 4, and met with the UN ambassadors of both permanent and non-permanent member states as well as other countries.