Egyptian FM heads to Brussels to discuss with EU joint cooperation, regional crises

CAIRO – 21 January 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry headed Sunday to Brussels to attend the 10th meeting of the Association Council of the European Union and Egypt.

The meeting this year is taking place in tandem with the 20th anniversary of the activation of the EU-Egypt Association Agreement which regulates the relationship between the two sides and constitutes a reference to cooperation in the realms of politics, economy, trade, and culture among others.

The statement released by the ministry noted that the association council is a mechanism to follow up on implementing the agreement, and a way to leverage the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities 2021-2027.

In the coming meeting, a framework agreement will be signed for Egypt to benefit more from the EU programmes in the fields of education and scientific research.

During the visit, the foreign minister will meet a number of European counterparts in order to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, follow up on joint programmes, and exchange views on current regional crises, mainly Gaza War, armed conflict in Sudan, civil war in Libya, sovereignty breach in Somalia, and security in the Red Sea.

The minister will also meet with EU commissioners concerned with neighboring policies, economy, energy, migration, climate, humanitarian affairs, and crises management among other affairs. In addition, there will be meetings with the EU parliament Speaker, and secretary-general of the NATO.

With regard to Gaza War, Palestinian Cause and escalation in the Middle East, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy will hold a meeting comprising the foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and secretary general of the Arab League.