President Sisi urges EU support for Egypt's regional stability efforts

CAIRO – 9 January 2025: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi emphasized the importance of European Union support for Egypt’s efforts to achieve regional stability during a phone call with President of the European Council António Costa on Thursday.

During the call, Sisi highlighted Egypt's hosting of over nine million foreign nationals due to crises and conflicts in the Middle East, read a statement from the Egyptian Presidency.

He noted that Egypt serves as the first line of defense against illegal migration flows to Europe.

The president also mentioned significant financial losses, estimated at around $7 billion in 2024, resulting from decreased Suez Canal revenues amid the current security situation in Bab Al-Mandab.

REGIONAL ESCALATION

Sisi briefed Costa on Egypt’s ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate a prisoner swap, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people in the Strip.

He underscored that the two-state solution is the only guarantee for achieving peace, stability, and development in the region.

The president firmly rejected attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause and displace the Palestinian people.

He warned of the consequences if the conflict in the region continues, escalates, or turns into a comprehensive war.

Sisi called on the international community, including the EU, to exert pressure for an agreement that ends the war in Gaza, consolidates the ceasefire in Lebanon, and restores stability to the region.

Regarding Syria, the president emphasized the need to preserve the country's unity and territorial integrity while ensuring the security of its people.

He affirmed the importance of launching a political process that includes all parties of the Syrian population.

EGYPT-EU PARTNERSHIP

Sisi reiterated Egypt’s commitment to strengthening relations with the European Union and with Costa as the president of the European Council.

This commitment comes at a time when cooperation between Egypt and the EU is gaining momentum, with the elevation of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

In this regard, Sisi stressed the necessity of fully implementing all aspects of this partnership.

Costa expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt's role and President Sisi's leadership as a cornerstone of regional stability.

The European Council president reaffirmed the EU's commitment to intensifying consultations with Egypt and supporting its efforts to maintain regional stability during this critical period.

Sisi congratulated Costa on his recent appointment as president of the European Council.

Their phone call coincides with a visit from Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, who met with Sisi on Thursday to discuss Egypt-EU relations and regional issues.