Von Der Leyen, Al-Sisi Sign EU-Egypt Partnership Agreement

Following the summit in Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed a joint declaration on the strategic partnership between the EU and Egypt.

The agreements, which provide €7.4 billion in aid to Egypt, center on food, water, and energy security, development projects, and the migration issue.

The meeting in Cairo was also attended by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

“The European Union recognizes Egypt as a reliable partner and its unique and vital geostrategic role as a pillar of security, moderation, and peace in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Africa,” Ursula von der Leyen said.

“The Arab Republic of Egypt and the European Union have agreed to raise their relations to the level of a strategic and comprehensive partnership, based on the values of justice, mutual respect, and trust,” the EU-Egypt joint statement said. “The partners, realizing the historical relations that have linked them for thousands of years, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long-term relations based on close geographical, cultural, political, economic, and personal ties in order to deepen shared stability, peace, and prosperity.”

Giorgia Meloni emphasized the importance of the agreement: “To cope with migrant flows, we appreciate Egypt’s efforts and seek to increase engagement to help countries, from which migrants originate and through which they transit.” This “will require investment and assistance to prevent illegal immigration to help these states deal with migrant traffickers.” The Italian Prime Minister also spoke about the Mattei Plan for cooperation with Africa, “which is being implemented and amounts to 5 billion euros, and Egypt is part of it.”