The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, called on Thursday 3 September for closer relations between the EU and Egypt.
“We want to strengthen our relationship”, Mr Borrell said during a visit to Cairo, adding that the two sides share many interests.
Thus, according to the High Representative, the EU wishes to work on “important issues for the well-being of Egyptians”, such as water management, education, socio-economic development and health. Mr Shoukry highlighted economic cooperation.
Another sensitive topic of discussion for Egyptians is human rights. While Mr Borrell explained that you have to be able to talk about everything among friends, Mr Shoukry pointed out that the situation in Europe was not perfect either. He called for cooperation and coordination rather than accusations.
But Egypt and the EU are also important partners on international issues, the two men explained. Mr Borrell said that he wanted to discuss regional issues with Egypt on energy, the environment, migration and trade.
During their meeting, the Near East peace process and the situation in Libya were also discussed. On Libya, Mr Borrell praised Egyptian efforts toward a cease-fire, adding that the cease-fire is a “window of opportunity” for Libya. Mr Shoukry hoped for a “positive development in the coming days”.
Furthermore, the High Representative requested that the EU Council update its 2013 statement on Egypt, considering that the current situation was very different from that of that time. The year 2013 was marked by the forcible resignation of President Morsi after a military coup. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)