Manila: Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty praised the momentum in relations between Egypt and the European Union and the progress achieved in their comprehensive strategic partnership, which was recently highlighted by the 11th session of the Egypt-EU Association Council held in Luxembourg in mid-June.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty made the remarks during a meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2026, with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of his participation in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila. The meeting came as part of regular consultations between Egypt and the EU on regional developments within the framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Abdelatty stressed the importance of continuing to enhance economic, investment, and trade cooperation between Egypt and the EU across various sectors, noting that economic cooperation is a key pillar of the strategic partnership. He also highlighted Egypt's pivotal role in supporting security and stability in the Middle East, as well as ongoing cooperation with the EU in the fields of migration and combating illegal migration.
The minister outlined the economic burdens Egypt faces as a result of hosting millions of foreigners, including refugees, migrants, and residents. He stressed the importance of expanding legal migration channels, including seasonal migration, while supporting development projects that address the root causes of migration and assisting refugee-hosting countries.
Abdelatty also reviewed Egypt's engagement with several European countries to develop migration agreements based on a long-term strategic vision that goes beyond short-term crisis management. The talks covered several regional issues, with Abdelatty briefing the EU official on Egypt's intensive diplomatic contacts and efforts to de-escalate tensions.
He reaffirmed Egypt's support for all efforts to resolve current crises through dialogue and diplomatic means, stressing that such efforts would help ease tensions, enhance regional security and stability, and prevent the expansion of conflicts, which could affect regional security, international navigation, global trade, and supply chains.
The meeting also addressed developments related to the Palestinian issue and the situation in Gaza. Abdelatty stressed the importance of completing the implementation of the commitments of the first phase of the US president's plan, ensuring the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid, and creating conditions for moving to subsequent phases, leading to early recovery and reconstruction. He also warned of the continued Israeli violations in the West Bank.
The two sides exchanged views on developments in Sudan, Libya, and Syria, stressing the importance of supporting efforts to achieve security and stability and preserve the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of these countries. The EU foreign policy chief praised Egypt's role in supporting regional de-escalation efforts, expressing her commitment to continuing coordination and consultations in the coming period within the framework of the Egypt-EU strategic partnership.