Sisi affirms to Borrell need to intensify int’l action to contain impacts of Ukraine crisis

CAIRO – 19 June 2023: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has affirmed the importance of intensifying international action to contain the economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on global economy and developing nations in particular.

This comes in light of the repercussions of the crisis on the food and energy markets and finance at the global level, Sisi said.

Sisi made the remarks in a meeting on Monday with Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, in Cairo.

Sisi’s remarks come after Egypt participated last week in an African peace mission that visited each of Ukraine and Russia and held talks with their presidents in a bid to help settle the crisis.

During the meeting, Sisi and Borrell also affirmed their keenness to continue enhancing cooperation and dialogue to support friendship between the two sides in light of their joint interests and challenges, especially those related to illegal immigration and terrorism.

They also discussed a number of regional and international issues, especially developments in Sudan.

In this regard, Borrell hailed Egypt’s efforts in hosting the Sudanese refugees as well as the Egyptian efforts related to de-escalation and ceasefire.

On Sunday, Borrell said the EU will allocate €20 million in immediate assistance to help Egypt absorb a new wave of Sudanese refugees and also €80 million for border management, search and rescue and anti-smuggling operations.

Sisi and Borrell also agreed on intensifying efforts in pursuit of peace and reaching a settlement of the Palestinian cause in accordance with international references and in a way that restores the Palestinian legitimate rights.

This should also come in a way that supports security and development for all peoples of the region, they affirmed.

Sisi emphasized the importance of the EU within the framework of Egypt's foreign policy in terms of being Egypt's first trading partner and in light of the complex and extended ties that unite the two sides as well as the joint challenges they face on both sides of the Mediterranean.

Borrell praised the distinguished relations between Egypt and the EU, hailing the political weight that Egypt enjoys regionally and internationally and the Egyptian role as a pillar of security and stability in the region.

This makes Egypt an important and appreciated strategic partner for the EU and its member states, Borrell stressed.