Monday 03 Mar
Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, met Sunday evening at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital with European Union Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs, Ms. Dubravka Šuica, and her delegation. Discussions focused on matters of mutual interest. Attendees included Minister of International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat; Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt, Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst; and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for European Affairs, Ambassador Wael Hamed. The Prime Minister welcomed Ms. Šuica and acknowledged the EU's creation of her new position as a positive signal of its commitment to enhanced cooperation with Mediterranean nations.
The Prime Minister highlighted the positive trajectory of Egyptian-European relations, particularly since the elevation to a strategic and comprehensive partnership in March 2024. He emphasized the mutual economic, political, and security advantages of this partnership, especially amidst regional instability. Her then detailed the economic challenges Egypt faces due to the regional crisis, notably the significant reduction in Suez Canal revenues. He expressed hope for increased EU support, encompassing both financial aid and enhanced investment cooperation in key sectors like green hydrogen, renewable energy, and information technology.
Addressing the Egyptian government's initiatives in higher
education and vocational training, particularly regarding cooperation with the
EU on organized migration, the Prime Minister outlined a plan to increase the
number of Egyptian graduates in fields like medicine, engineering, and information
technology. He highlighted the global demand for these Egyptian skills and
expressed a desire to strengthen EU collaboration in this area.
Ms. Dubravka Šuica expressed her gratitude for the warm
welcome extended to her and her delegation in Egypt. She highlighted her
productive meetings with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Foreign Minister
Badr Abdel-Aty, where they discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation across
political, economic, trade, and security domains.
She emphasized the timeliness of these discussions,
coinciding with the EU's development of a new cooperation framework for
Southern Mediterranean nations.
Ms. Šuica stated that her visit to Egypt is part of a
Mediterranean tour focused on maximizing the benefits of the strategic and
comprehensive partnership agreement signed between Egypt and the EU last year.
She expressed a strong desire to enhance cooperation in renewable energy, green
hydrogen, and combating illegal migration, as well as exploring opportunities
to leverage Egyptian expertise in various sectors needed by the European
market.
Ms. Dubravka Šuica emphasized Europe's commitment to
strengthening ties with Mediterranean neighbors, particularly Egypt, citing
historical and cultural connections. She commended Egypt's handling of refugees
from neighboring nations and affirmed the EU's support in this regard. Ms.
Šuica also highlighted Egypt's pivotal role in resolving regional crises amidst
the Middle East's security challenges.
Minister of International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat,
outlined the Egyptian government's efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability
and attract global investment, emphasizing economic reforms and the green
transition.
The meeting also addressed Egypt's development of an early recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza, in collaboration with the Palestinian Authority. Both sides expressed readiness for joint implementation and emphasized the need for political consensus for successful execution. The Prime Minister affirmed the capability of Egyptian and regional contracting companies to carry out the plan.
