Cairo: President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean (PA-UfM), Mohamed Abou el-Enein, emphasized the critical role of peace as the bedrock for sustainable development and the key to unlocking Euro-Mediterranean economic integration. During the opening session of the PA-UfM at Egypt's House of Representatives, Abou el-Enein highlighted peace not only as an end goal but as a prerequisite for addressing the root causes of crises and ensuring lasting stability.According to State Information Service Egypt, Abou el-Enein called for a transformative phase in Euro-Mediterranean economic integration. He underscored the importance of bolstering trade ties, upgrading infrastructure, and enhancing logistics connectivity. The president further advocated for increased investments in clean energy, green hydrogen, and support for the blue economy, alongside accelerating digital transformation through artificial intelligence to foster a competitive and inclusive regional economy.Abou el-Enein pointed out the Mediterranean region's greatest asset-its people. He stressed that empowering youth, enhancing women's participation, improving education, and supporting scientific research are crucial for economic development, regional competitiveness, and long-term stability.He added that the Mediterranean could position itself as a leading economic region by transforming its strategic location into a hub for production, energy, and innovation, while improving connectivity with global markets and supply chains.Achieving these ambitions, he noted, requires political will to translate potential into projects, visions into partnerships, and challenges into real opportunities.Abou el-Enein also reiterated his support for the Pact for the Mediterranean and its action plan, viewing them as essential for initiating a new phase of Euro-Mediterranean collaboration. He stated that the framework underscores a collective understanding that the region's future hinges on genuine partnerships and shared responsibili ties.He concluded by emphasizing that the success of the Pact should be evaluated based on tangible outcomes rather than its provisions, necessitating adequate financing, increased investment, technology transfer, and support for industrialization and job creation to cultivate a more integrated and competitive Euro-Mediterranean economic zone.