El-Sisi urges EU to bolster Egypt's efforts amid regional turmoil in call with EU Council chief

Ahram Online , Thursday 9 Jan 2025

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Thursday underscored the importance of European Union support for Egypt's efforts to reinforce regional stability, highlighting the country's hosting of more than nine million foreign nationals due to ongoing crises in the Middle East.

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (R), President of European Council António Costa (L). Photo: Egyptian presidency

 

During a phone call with President of the European Council António Costa, El-Sisi warned of the risks posed by the ongoing escalation of the conflict in the region, cautioning that the situation could spiral into a full-scale war, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

Both sides addressed regional issues of mutual interest. El-Sisi outlined Egypt's continued efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the exchange of hostages and detainees, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza's residents.

He affirmed that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to achieve regional peace, stability, and development.El-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s categorical rejection of any attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause or forcefully displace the Palestinian people.

El-Sisi further emphasised the crucial role of the international community, including the EU, in pressing for an agreement to end the war in Gaza, solidify the ceasefire in Lebanon, and steer the region toward the path of stability. 

He also asserted Egypt’s unwavering stance on the situation in Syria, particularly the need to preserve Syria’s unity, security, and territorial integrity, stressing the need to initiate a political process that encompasses the entire spectrum of the Syrian people.

Moreover, El-Sisi reiterated that Egypt serves as the foremost line of defence against illegal migration destined for Europe, noting that the state had an approximate $7 billion loss in Suez Canal revenues in 2024 due to the security situation in Bab Al-Mandab.

During the call, the Egyptian president affirmed the state's interest in strengthening relations with the EU further, highlighting the significant momentum of Egypt-EU cooperation, with relations elevated to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership

For his part, the European official expressed deep appreciation for the pivotal role played by Egypt and President El-Sisi, describing it as a cornerstone for regional stability.

He affirmed the EU's commitment to sustained and in-depth consultations with Egypt and to providing support for Egypt’s relentless efforts to safeguard regional stability during this critical juncture.

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