Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Tuesday on the sidelines of his visit to Brussels to chair the 10th session of the Egypt-European Union Association Council.
Shoukry stressed the importance of strengthening constructive dialogue between Egypt and the European Parliament on the basis of friendship and mutual respect.
The two sides agreed on the need to enhance dialogue on areas of common cooperation. Shoukry emphasized the importance of basing this dialogue on the principles of friendship, mutual respect, and understanding of the challenges facing Egypt.
He also noted the importance of the European Parliament’s role in providing Egypt with the necessary support to address the economic challenges it faces as a result of the ongoing regional and international crises.
Shoukry also reviewed the Egyptian government’s comprehensive modernization process, which is taking place on political, economic, social, cultural, and human rights levels. He noted the importance of enhancing cooperation between Egypt and the European side, especially in the field of youth empowerment and student exchange.
Metsola, for her part, stressed the importance and strategic nature of the European Union’s relations with Egypt, and the need to use them to serve the interests of both sides and address common economic and security challenges. She also emphasized Egypt’s regional and pivotal role in the region and its ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability, which also benefit European security.
The meeting also discussed a number of current regional and international issues, including the crisis in the Gaza Strip and the current threats to maritime security in the Red Sea. Metsola listened to Shoukry’s assessment of the current situation in the Gaza Strip and ways to end the war.
Shoukry noted the importance of the role that the European Parliament can play as the voice and conscience of the European citizen in demanding a ceasefire and addressing the unprecedented suffering of the Palestinian people over more than 100 days of blockade, starvation, and targeting. The discussions also touched on the situation in Yemen and Sudan.
In conclusion, the two sides agreed on the importance of maintaining direct and continuous dialogue between the Egyptian and European sides in a way that contributes to enhancing mutual understanding and addressing all issues of common interest through constructive dialogue.
