Migration represents challenge to Egypt, EU: FM to High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security

CAIRO – 21 January 2025: During his visit to Brussels, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty met Monday EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, highlighting that crises engulfing the Middle East necessitate reinforcing joint coordination and strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The minister showcased the vital role of the EU high representative in that regard, welcoming the disbursement of the first tranche – worth €1 billion – of the €7.4-billion financial assistance package allocated to Egypt, expressing aspiration for the second tranche – worth €4 billion - to be endorsed soon.

Minister Abdelatty tackled the migration issue, affirming it represents a challenge to both Egypt and the EU, saying that collaboration in that realm must be carried out in a balanced way that fulfills the interests and priorities of both sides. In that context, the minister showcased the heavy economic burdens endured by Egypt due to hosting millions of the displaced whose homelands are torn out by conflicts.

On another level, the minister briefed Kallas on the progress made on human rights politically, economically, and socially.

Regarding the Middle East, Minister Abdelatty shed light on the mediation contacts - made in coordination with the United States and Qatar – to accomplish a ceasefire in Gaza asserting the salience of fully implementing the deal according to the timeline. He also called on the EU to back humanitarian efforts there, and participating in projects that would lead to early recovery, and pave the way for reconstruction.

As for Syria, the minister underscored the necessity of an inclusive transitional political process. The two sides equally exchanged views on crises in Sudan, Somalia, Horn of Africa, and Sahel. That is in addition to the security of navigation in the Red Sea, and the issue of Egypt's water security, given the absence of a legally binding agreement on the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), particularly in time of drought and severe drought.