The EU Foreign Ministers and their Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, called on Monday 20 June for the strengthening of the partnership between the EU and Egypt.
After an EU-Egypt Association Council on Sunday evening, at which the partnership priorities for 2021-2027 were adopted (see EUROPE 12958/18), ministers discussed with Mr Shoukry at an informal lunch at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday in Luxembourg.
The Egyptian minister explained that his country considers relations with the EU and its Member States, with which Egypt faces challenges in a very positive and objective way, as “strategic”.
The Greek and Irish Foreign Ministers also stressed the importance of relations with Egypt upon their arrival in Luxembourg. “Europe has everything to gain from a close relationship with Egypt, a country of crucial importance for the European family”, explained Nikos Dendias.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, said that the priorities of the partnership were “building a sustainable economy, mainly on the green and digital transition, sharing our partnership in foreign affairs” and “common commitments on human rights and the rule of law”.
“Guided by the Partnership Priorities, the EU and Egypt will further deepen their dialogue and their cooperation around three overarching priorities: Sustainable Modern Economy and Social Development, Partnering in Foreign Policy, and Enhancing Stability”, says the joint statement issued at the end of the Association Council.
In addition, both sides committed to work together to strengthen trade relations, investment and the further integration of Egypt into regional and global value chains and to enhance the competitiveness of the economy and support the development of the Egyptian private sector. They will continue their cooperation on migration, counter-terrorism and peace and security in the Middle East and Africa.
As Egypt hosts COP27, Europe and Egypt also reaffirmed their commitment to work together on climate change.
In connection with the crisis in Ukraine, Egyptian and European officials discussed cooperation on energy (see EUROPE 12972/13) and food security. The EU has already put €100 million on the table for Egypt to support its agriculture and food storage.
More broadly, €240 million from the EU will be made available to Egypt for 2021-2024 to support the country in the areas of green and sustainable development, human development, economic resilience and building prosperity through the green and digital transitions and social cohesion, the modern and democratic state, the joint statement said.
See the joint statement: https://aeur.eu/f/27s (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)