Egypt, EU have common goal of combating terrorism: FM

CAIRO – 25 July 2017: The EU and Egypt have a common goal of combating terrorism treats in the world, said Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in a communiqué after a meeting with the EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini on Tuesday in Brussels.

“Combating these threats represents an common goal of the EU and Egypt who can cooperate through a comprehensive approach that will address the root causes of terrorism with due respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in order to enable both sides to successfully counter and prevent radicalization and enhance socio-economic development,” the statement read.

The statement issued after holding the seventh session of the Association Council between the European Union and Egypt.

Both sides tackled their political, economic social, security and cultural interests and in confronting their common challenges in the region, according to the statement.

“The session confirmed the broader engagement of the EU-Egypt relations based on the resumption of the bilateral Association Agreement structure in 2015 and on the joint priorities identified in light of the revised European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) as well as the Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030, which will guide our dialogue and cooperation for the next three years,” the statement added.

In light of Egypt’s efforts of combating the human trafficking and hosting the refugees, the EU welcomed a new anti-smuggling law, which has been adopted by the Parliament, saying it “represents a key transformation in legislation through criminalization of smugglers.”

“Egypt and the EU expressed their commitment to enhancing democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights as constitutional rights of all their citizens in line with their international obligations, and agreed that human rights are a common value and constitute a cornerstone of a democratic, stable and prosperous state,” the statement continued.