FM: Strong cooperation with EU in migration file

CAIRO – 9 September 2024:  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty asserted there is strong and profound cooperation between Egypt and the European Union (EU) in the migration sector and the encouragement of regular migration, in addition to combating illegal migration.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs on Monday, Abdelatty said there are many cooperation programs between Egypt and EU in the migration sector.

He added "we deeply appreciate cooperation with the EU in border control, capacity building and provision of training."

The foreign minister went on to say that during its contacts with EU and European Commission officials, the Egyptian side always tries to shed light on the great burdens Egypt is enduring due to hosting big numbers of foreigners seeking a safe haven on its soil.

Abdelatty stressed that Egypt is one of the few countries in the world that does not have a single camp for refugees, pointing out that refugees coming to Egypt hospitably live side by side with Egyptians.

The refugees are receiving a kind and generous treatment despite all the hard economic circumstances the country is facing due to regional crises, added Abdelatty.

He further pointed out that the European side has repeatedly shown complete appreciation of the important role of Egypt as far as this vital file is concerned.

An agreement was signed last March during Johansson's visit to Egypt to raise bilateral relations to the level of strategic and comprehensive partnership, the Egyptian top diplomat noted.

Deals were signed on six significant areas of cooperation, including migration, investment, security, politics and exchanges among youths, he said.

Abdelatty underscored the necessity of offering further support to Egypt to address the enormous burdens it endures due to hosting large numbers of refugees.

"We are living in a very troubled region and Egypt is a cornerstone of stability in this region and welcomes our brothers," who flee crises and civil wars in their countries and seek safety on Egyptian lands, he emphasized.

He urged for a complete support from the world community, topped by EU in this regard.

He called for adopting a comprehensive approach while dealing with all dimensions of the illegal migration issue, including the economic and social ones.

Ylva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, described Egypt as a strategic partner to the EU on several fronts.

She highlighted the important role Egypt is playing to attain stability in the region.

Johansson praised Egypt's painstaking and tireless efforts to play host to refugees and offer services to them over the past years, noting in particular how the country has received large numbers of Sudanese people.

The EU's official spotlighted as well the strategic partnership between Egypt and the EU and their joint gains, adding "we are ready for fostering a good and full partnership with Egypt".

The European commissioner asserted the importance of backing Egyptian efforts to combat illegal migration.

Europe is in dire need of migrants as the continent's manpower is decreasing each year by nearly one million, according to her.

Shifting to the EU's vision on the Egyptian experiment to combat illegal migration, Johansson said the EU appreciates Egypt's efforts to face this phenomenon, highlighting the ongoing cooperation between both sides to address this file.

She added that a shipment of assistance will arrive this month within the framework of cooperation between the EU and Egypt to safeguard the Egyptian borders, which, is an issue of "great importance to us".

Answering a question about Egypt's policy regarding refugees and migration, Abdelatty said Egypt is facing unprecedented crises in the region.

These crises have taken their toll on the Egyptian State that was capable of overcoming the challenge thanks to its strong institutions, he went on to say.

He highlighted the tireless efforts exerted by Egypt to alleviate the suffering of brotherly peoples in crisis-hit neighboring countries, noting that "Egypt is a responsible country that respects its responsibilities and pledges."