Brussels, 25/04/2008 (Agence Europe) - The fourth session of the EU/Egypt Association Council is to be held on Tuesday 29 April in Luxembourg. It will provide the parties concerned with an opportunity to draw up the balance sheet of cooperation which took effect in 2004 and which has allowed progress appreciated in Brussels, not only with regards to more dynamic trade (40% of Egypt's external trade is with the enlarged Europe) but also with regards the cooperation commitment in essential areas such as energy, immigration, and the fight against terrorism. Nearly all areas are covered by this cooperation that is not only bilateral but also within the framework of the Barcelona Process. As a whole, the EU considers Egypt is a key partner in an Arab and Mediterranean region marked by the Israeli-Arab conflict in which Cairo is called upon to play an active and calming role to reach a settlement, in particular concerning Gaza. This cooperation is guided by an “action plan” adopted one year ago in the context of European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The action plan organises actions in the economic, technical and financial assistance areas. Eight sub-committees have been set up to consolidate the priority themes, including that on human rights, considered as an essential element of Euro-Egyptian relations. The European Parliament has pointed a finger of blame at the failings noted during this year which has been a transition period (elections) managed with difficulty. In this respect the Council nonetheless welcomes the readiness of the Egyptian government to hold a dialogue on human rights and democracy issues. Dialogue should be a two-way process between equal partners able to raise issues of shared concern in an open and comprehensive manner, it points out. The EU encourages the Egyptian authorities to review the electoral framework with a view to bringing it into line with international standards, but calls on them to lift the state of emergency applied for the past 27 years and to ensure application of the right of freedom of expression, freedom of the press and freedom of belief. Generally speaking, it offers its support and assistance to Egypt to successfully conclude its general reform programme. (F.B.)