Sisi emphasizes coordination with EU about regional files

CAIRO – 30 October 2017: President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received Monday European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Commissioner Johannes Hahn in the presence of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.

The president welcomed the European Union (EU) official, stressing that Egypt pays great attention to its ties with the EU in light of their bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Egyptian-European partnership agreement, said presidential spokesman Bassam Rady.

Sisi affirmed that the EU is the first trade partner of Egypt.

He further lauded the meetings of the EU-Egypt Association Council held in Brussels on July, noting that this contributes to promoting joint cooperation at various levels during the coming phase.

The president stressed the importance of enhancing coordination and consultations between both sides pertaining to regional files to face joint challenges emerging from the existing regional crises topped by terrorism and its repercussions on the security of the Middle East and Europe.

For his part, Hahn voiced the EU's keenness on bolstering the existing cooperation with Egypt, which is considered one of the most important neighboring countries.

He hailed Egypt's pivotal role in the region as it is the main pillar of stability and security, lauding steps taken over the past years to achieve stability and the serious economic measures besides efforts exerted to fight terrorism and illegal migration.

The meeting took up means of promoting joint cooperation in various developmental issues as well as the latest regional developments including Egypt's efforts to achieve Palestinian reconciliation and settle the Libyan crisis.

The two sides agreed on continuing coordination and consultation pertaining to the various regional issues, the spokesman reiterated.