Cairo: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty on Thursday praised positive developments in Egyptian-European Union (EU) relations following a joint declaration to elevate the relationship to a strategic and comprehensive partnership in March 2024 and the Egypt-EU summit held in Brussels on October 22. The minister emphasized Egypt's commitment to strengthening ties with the EU within the six partnership pillars, highlighting the international community's shared responsibility to address geopolitical crises in the region and issues related to refugees and migration.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Abdelatty's remarks came during a meeting with European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, who is currently visiting Cairo. During the meeting, Abdelatty highlighted the heavy burdens Egypt bears from hosting millions of foreigners due to crises in neighboring countries and the region.
He briefed the European commissioner on recent developments in the Gaza Strip, including efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in line with the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Agreement. The top Egyptian diplomat highlighted ongoing preparations for Egypt to host the international conference on early recovery, reconstruction, and development of Gaza, stressing the importance of rebuilding infrastructure and ensuring safe and rapid humanitarian aid delivery without barriers.
Abdelatty praised the recent meeting of the Palestinian Donors Group in Brussels on November 20, along with the expected active participation of the EU and member states in funding reconstruction efforts. The meeting also addressed developments in Sudan, with Abdelatty condemning serious violations committed in the Al-Fashir area. He reviewed Egypt's efforts within the framework of the Quad Mechanism aimed at halting conflict and preserving Sudan's unity and sovereignty.
Abdelatty further stressed the importance of humanitarian aid access and respect for Sudanese sovereignty, emphasizing Egypt's keenness on facilitating aid delivery and cooperating with international organizations. Regarding Lebanon, Abdelatty reviewed the outcomes of his visit to Beirut on November 26, carried out under directives from the Egyptian president to support Lebanon, reduce tension, and bolster stability.
He reaffirmed Egypt's consistent support for Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, security, and stability. Abdelatty reiterated Egypt's calls for respecting Syria's territorial integrity and sovereignty, rejecting any actions or interventions that could undermine the country's stability. He also emphasized the need for a comprehensive political process that fulfills the aspirations of the Syrian people.
The European Commissioner praised Egypt's efforts in promoting peace and stability across the region and acknowledged Egypt's key role in achieving the Gaza ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid. She affirmed the EU's support for Egypt's efforts and its commitment to further enhancing the strategic partnership.