Egypt ‘vital’ contributor to security within region: Romanian President

CAIRO – 23 February 2019: Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has expressed his appreciation to the strenuous efforts by President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Egyptian authorities in backing up security in the Middle East region.

Iohannis’ remarks came during his participation at the 1^st Arab-European summit in Sharm al-Sheikh.

He also added that Egypt is considered a moderate and vital contributor to security within the region.

In an interview with the Middle East News Agency, the Romanian President stressed the importance of the summit, for being the first meeting to be held between members of the European Union and the Arab League and because of the fact that Europe and the Arab region is significantly related.

He also pointed out to a number of issues of mutual concerns such as immigration, fundamentalism and terrorism., affirming that it is time to hold a summit of European and Arab leaders, expressing optimism that all problems could be resolved through joint action and dialogue on regional crises, migration, economic development and security cooperation.

The summit takes place under the chairmanship of President Sisi and European Council President Donald Tusk, with an aim to strengthen relations between the two sides and discuss issues of mutual concerns and interests.

The summit sheds the light on a number of common issues and challenges, including multilateralism, trade, investment, migration and security, in addition to the situation in the region.

Iohannis said he believes that the pragmatic approach between the European Union and the Arab League is the only way to reach tangible results, adding, “The Sharm el-Sheikh summit sends an important political message through its initiation, not to mention deciding that such meetings shall be held on a regular basis.

About the challenges currently faced by Europe, Iohannis said Europe is facing multiple challenges such as Brexit, immigration, security and defense issues, and the foreign movement of the EU in an unexpected international environment.

He also stressed that Brexit is one of the most complicated challenges faced by the European Union, pointing out that there have been negotiations with the British side and that 27 countries kept an open stance towards reaching a common ground.

He said he believes that the withdrawal agreement is considered a middle solution that would provide a solid legal frame for Britain’s withdrawal from the union.

The Romanian President further said that the summit represents a good opportunity to boost cooperation with Arab countries in light of the current operations that already started, like Romania’s keenness to continue working with all the elements that would determine a comprehensive approach towards immigration.