According to a presidential statement, El-Sisi urged support for Egyptian efforts to combat irregular migration, noting that the North African country hosts over nine million foreigners due to regional crises.

El-Sisi’s remark echoed previous statements in which he asserted that Egypt would not serve as a transit point for illegal migrants seeking to reach Europe. He also highlighted the country’s commitment to treating refugees as guests and providing them access to basic services.

According to Fakhry Elfiky, head of the Egyptian House of Representatives’ Budget Committee, the influx of refugees, driven by conflicts in neighbouring nations, costs Egypt more than EGP 300 billion each year.

A report prepared by the House's Defence and National Security Committee said refugees living in Egypt are equivalent to 8.7 percent of the total population.

The EU has pledged 200 million euros in grants to Egypt for migration management as part of a 7.4-billion-euro aid and investment package announced after elevating Egypt-EU relations to a strategic and comprehensive partnership in March.

Today’s meeting focused on ways to advance Egyptian-EU relations, discussing cooperation in the economic, investment, and trade sectors. It also tackled mechanisms to activate the comprehensive strategic partnership, which focuses on six major issues, including migration, security, and investment.

Regional tensions
 

The meeting, attended by Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty and EU’s Ambassador to Cairo Angelina Eichhorst, touched on regional conditions.

Abdelatty mentioned an estimated loss of $7 billion in revenues generated from the Suez Canal – a significant source of foreign currency for the country – in 2024 due to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Meanwhile, President El-Sisi detailed Egypt's efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the release of captives, and ensure access to humanitarian aid, the statement added.

He reiterated that the two-state solution is the only viable path to sustainable peace and stability while calling for measures to prevent further escalation and restore regional security, including a strengthened ceasefire in Lebanon and compliance with Security Council Resolution No. 1701.

Furthermore, El-Sisi expressed Egypt's commitment to Syria’s unity and territorial integrity, underscoring the need for an inclusive political process and reaffirming Egypt’s support for the Syrian people.

He also addressed concerns regarding Libya, Sudan, and Somalia, highlighting Egypt's dedication to these nations’ unity, security, and stability.

For her part, Metsola conveyed the EU's appreciation for Egypt's pivotal role in maintaining regional stability and security, reaffirming the EU's intention to enhance coordination and ongoing consultation with Egypt on shared causes.