European Commission president says will visit Egypt next week

CAIRO – 9 June 2022: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said that she will be in Egypt next week to discuss with President Abdel Fattah al Sisi to discuss the global food crises caused by the Ukrainian-Russian conflict.

“The European Union keeps its food exports going, and so should everyone else.” Ursula von said in her speech at the European Parliament Plenary on the conclusions of the special European Council meeting of 30-31 May 2022

“Second area, this is solidarity and support to partners. This is about short-term support to the countries most at risk. For example, we are now investing an additional EUR 225 million to address the short- and medium-term needs of the Southern Neighborhood partners.

And I will be in Egypt next week to discuss with President El-Sisi how best we can target our support to the region. This is a big task for all of us.” Ursula von added.

In April, President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi received a phone call from President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, exchanging views on ways to handle the fallout of the Ukrainian crisis, especially in relation to energy supplies, food security, and disruption to supply chain.

In that context, the two parties congrued on regular coordination in the coming period to crystallize joint initiatives and endeavors to mitigate such ordeal. They also discussed other regional and international issues and matters of mutual interest, and coordination of stances on them.

On her side, von der Leyen expressed the European Union's appreciation for the strong and outstanding relations with Egypt, affirming aspiration to continue pushing forward cooperation with the country on all levels. That is in light of the joint interest embodied in combating challenges facing the Middle East, and given Egypt's pivotal salience for the region and Africa.