EU 'optimistic' about results of Egypt-ICF to support int'l development efforts

CAIRO - 8 September 2021: The European Union Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen expressed her optimism about what the Egypt International Cooperation Forum (Egypt-ICF 2021) will reach in terms of a program of work and recommendations through its discussions.

Urpilainen noted the importance of issues and topics within the framework of its partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

She said in her speech before the forum organized by the Ministry of International Cooperation under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and with high-level international participation, that the Corona pandemic has claimed the lives of about 4.5 million people and that the seriousness of the repercussions of that pandemic is increasing in light of the lack of economic equality.

The EU Commissioner stressed the need to address the crisis with continuous international efforts and to create promising and appropriate opportunities to restore international construction, increase exchanges and achieve international goals.

"Together, we can promote sustainable growth and increase the education of women and youth, stressing the European Union's readiness for continuous cooperation with all parties to support development efforts,” She stated.

The European Commissioner for International Partnerships expressed her aspiration for continued cooperation for the success of the summit of the European and African Unions to be held in 2022, and the need to transform challenges into opportunities and historical growth.

On Wednesday’s morning, the Egypt-ICF kicked off, under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, with the participation of several ministers.

The forum is attended by high-level government representatives from Africa, Europe and Latin America, heads of international and regional financial institutions and representatives of the private sector and civil society.