Press statement by President António Costa following the EU-Egypt summit
It is a pleasure to welcome President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for the first EU–Egypt Summit. I am really glad; it was a very good summit. This meeting marks a significant milestone in our relationship. It shows how strong our partnership is.
Egypt plays a key role in the region and beyond, in promoting stability and conflict resolution. We have an economic and trade relation that has been growing impressively and that we want to see grow even further. We have a rich cooperation in multiple fields: trade, security, mobility, migration, energy, education, research, culture.
I am very glad that, earlier today, the EU and Egypt have signed three important agreements, especially an agreement allowing Egypt to participate in our Horizon Europe programme. This is a very strong signal of the importance we both attach to education and to people-to-people contacts.
Just last week, I attended the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit. It was a moment of hope and global unity that all parties must now preserve, and on which we must all work to ensure its promises are fulfilled.
Dear President El-Sisi, I want to commend your leadership. Your unwavering engagement and your tireless mediation efforts were crucial in sealing the first phase of the ceasefire deal on Gaza.
The agreement resulted in all living Israeli hostages reuniting with their families. After two years of death and destruction, it brought hope to the Palestinian people. A hope that now needs to transform into lasting peace and reconstruction.
Dear President, as you said in Sharm El Sheikh, and I quote: “peace is only complete when the hand of reconstruction extends after the devastation”.
The first difficulties have appeared, but all parties must engage in good faith to ensure that the ceasefire is upheld. That humanitarian aid must continue to be delivered and at scale. We want Israelis and Palestinians to be able to build a peaceful future together.
We want a lasting peace based on the two-state solution. Israel and a State of Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, free of terrorism. The EU is ready to help, as we have in the past, in recovery, reconstruction and supporting reforms.
Beyond the Middle East, Egypt plays a vital stabilising role across the wider region. We share common concerns and objectives – in Libya, in Sudan and in Somalia. Today, we agreed to continue and deepen our dialogue and engagement in these critical issues.
Of course, maritime security is also vital for both parties. Given Egypt’s position, we will work together to keep sea routes safe and open for trade, in the Red Sea, the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean and beyond.
Finally, our partnership will continue to be guided by mutual respect, shared values and a strong commitment to multilateralism.
Both the European Union and Egypt support the United Nations and the rules-based international order, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law. And we agree that working together is the best way to solve global problems.
We have also discussed today Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We are united in our desire for a just and lasting peace.
I briefed President El-Sisi of the ongoing European support to Ukraine in order to achieve peace and to apply pressure on Russia to come to the negotiating table.
There have been recent developments in this endeavour and the EU strongly supports President Trump’s efforts. The EU will continue to engage with Egypt on this subject, because we see Egypt as a leading voice in the global scene and as a partner, also on Ukraine.
The European Union and Egypt will continue to work together. And I am sure that the European Commission and my friend, Ursula von der Leyen, will give their best to ensure that we continue to strengthen our bilateral relations.
Thank you for this meeting and we look forward to the next steps in our relationship, as partners and friends.
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