Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with European Council President António Costa on Tuesday to discuss regional stability, the flow of aid into Gaza and the strengthening of ties between Egypt and the European Union. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Arab Summit held in the New Administrative Capital, according to Egyptian Presidency Spokesperson Mohamed El-Shennawy.
El-Shennawy said the meeting confirmed the strong relationship between Egypt and the EU. Both parties expressed a mutual interest in strengthening cooperation across various sectors, particularly in economic and investment areas. This collaboration aligns with the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership Agreement and its six pillars.
Illegal immigration was also a key topic. Costa acknowledged Egypt’s efforts in preventing illegal immigrant boats from departing its shores since 2016. He further noted that Egypt hosts over nine million foreigners due to various crises, stressing the need for international support for Egypt.
Al-Sisi presented his vision on restoring regional stability and Egypt’s efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. Costa affirmed the EU’s appreciation for Egypt’s role in seeking the full implementation of the agreement.
Both leaders stressed the need for sufficient and unhindered humanitarian aid to enter Gaza to prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening. They warned against the resumption of fighting and violence in the region, citing the threat to peace and security.
Al-Sisi and Costa expressed their rejection of Israeli attacks in the West Bank and any attempts to displace Palestinians. They emphasised the immediate need for reconstruction efforts in Gaza without displacing its residents. Costa welcomed the Arab Summit’s adoption of the Egyptian plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Both sides affirmed that the establishment of a Palestinian state, in accordance with international resolutions, is the only guarantee for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. They stressed the necessity for the international community to take responsibility in achieving this goal.
The meeting also covered developments in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia, El-Shennawy said. The leaders emphasised the need to resolve crises through peaceful means, preserving the unity, integrity, and stability of those countries.
