Addressing the forum, Abdel Atti underlined the importance of holding the forum on the 25th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, launched in 1995.

In 2008, the union provided a framework for the Barcelona Process.

Abdel Atti said it is important to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, a milestone in the Barcelona Process, as part of respecting related international legitimacy resolutions and the two-state solution along with the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4,1967 border with al Quds as its capital.

Meanwhile, Abdel Atti pointed out to the repercussions of Covid-19 pandemic for the Mediterranean region, stressing the need for promoting regional cooperation among Mediterranean countries.

The union plays an important role in facing coronavirus impact through supporting economic integration in the region and attracting investments in order to provide job opportunities, he said.

Within the framework of the union, Egypt is playing an active role as a main partner in all Mediterranean cooperation fields, he added.