The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, agreed on Wednesday 2 June during a “ cooperation” telephone exchange “to enhance dialogue on a broad range of issues and resolve outstanding issues” according to a European Council statement.
According to the spokesperson of the Egyptian Presidency, the Presidents focused on “ways to strengthen mutual relations between the two parties, coordination, and exchanging views on regional issues”.
The two Presidents discussed EU-Egypt cooperation on the basis of the New Agenda for the Mediterranean and Mr Michel emphasised the fact that the EU would continue to be a key partner for Egypt, including in the field of investment, according to the European Council.
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, for his part, affirmed his country’s concern to improve relations with the European Union as a “ strategic partner” in various fields as well as coordination and consultation on regional issues and concerns facing both parties. He also “expressed his aspiration to broaden the scope of cooperation with the EU in order to launch a true partner relationship in various political, military and economic fields”, said the Egyptian statement.
None of the communiqués mention the worrying human rights situation in Egypt (see EUROPE 12626/28).
Beyond the bilateral relationship, the two Presidents discussed the latest developments in the region, in particular regarding the Middle East peace process, with Mr Michel thanking Egypt for its efforts in helping to de-escalate the situation and in reaching a ceasefire.
Michel and al-Sisi also discussed the situation in Libya, Ethiopia, the Horn of Africa and further points on the Eastern Mediterranean. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)