During his meeting on Saturday with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union Commission, Sisi stressed that the only solution to the Palestinian issue lies in achieving a comprehensive and just peace, based on the two-state solution in accordance with approved international references.
Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency, stated that the meeting focused on the latest developments in the Israeli military escalation in the Palestinian territories, where President Sisi affirmed Egypt’s position on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, and ensuring the delivery of relief aid to the people of the Gaza Strip, who are exposed to immense human suffering, stressing the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities and implement the resolutions of the Security Council and the United Nations General Assembly in this regard.
For her part, the President of the European Commission presented her assessment of the developments in the situation in Gaza, and stressed the European Union’s great appreciation for the essential role played by Egypt in this regard.
The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the meeting also touched on ways to enhance cooperation relations between Egypt and the European Union, in light of the close ties between the two parties, and it was agreed to continue working to strengthen these relations and push them to wider horizons in various fields.
Bloomberg quoted informed sources as saying that von der Leyen plans to visit Cairo to boost efforts to support Egypt’s economic development and mitigate the impact of the ongoing crisis.
The EU was already exploring the partnership, but now wants to accelerate these efforts given Cairo’s strategic importance and concerns about increasing refugee flows, including from African countries.
EU member states, including Germany and France, support the ongoing work, although the timetable and final figures are still in preparation, the sources said.
The plan will include 6 priorities ranging from economy, investments, migration and security. On the economic front, the EU wants to explore options with member states to help Egypt address its debt burden.
According to Bloomberg, the European Union will propose an investment plan aimed at mobilizing 9 billion euros ($9.8 billion) in the digital, energy, agriculture and transport sectors, which will include an investment forum planned next spring.
Source: Al-Taghyeer
