President El-Sisi’s remarks came during a press conference following the first Egypt-EU Summit, held on Wednesday at the European Council headquarters in Brussels, the Belgian capital.
During the presser, the president said the summit provided an opportunity to address the many challenges and crises currently affecting the Middle East and Europe.
“I outlined to European leaders Egypt’s ongoing and intensive efforts, stemming from its historical responsibility and regional role, to secure a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” he said.
He added that these efforts are based on the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which led to the signing of the President Trump Declaration for Sustained Peace and Prosperity at the Sharm El Sheikh Summit for Peace.
The landmark event included the participation of European Council President António Costa and many EU and international leaders.
El-Sisi described the outcome as a major achievement and an early step in a broader process aimed at creating the conditions for resuming a just and comprehensive peace process.
He stressed that this process must be based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 4 June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, while emphasizing the urgent need to begin reconstruction in Gaza.
Middle East crises
El-Sisi said the summit also addressed the situation in Sudan, assuring European leaders that Egypt remains firmly committed to securing a ceasefire.
“We look forward to working with the Quartet and coordinating with the EU to declare an immediate and comprehensive humanitarian truce that ends the suffering of the Sudanese people,” he said.
He added that Egypt is working with the EU to safeguard Sudan’s unity and preserve its state institutions to prevent more chaos or fragmentation.
On Libya, the president reaffirmed Egypt’s firm stance on achieving lasting stability, which he described as essential for Mediterranean security.
“I stressed Egypt’s full support for a comprehensive political settlement led and implemented by Libyans themselves,” he said.
The president noted that such a settlement must end divisions, reunify state institutions, and pave the way for free elections that truly reflect the will of the Libyan people.
El-Sisi reiterated the need to withdraw all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya to preserve the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Egypt-EU partnership
El-Sisi highlighted the importance of the Egypt-EU Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, saying the summit aims to unlock its full potential and give new momentum to cooperation.
“This partnership is essential to securing our peoples’ interests and addressing the major challenges facing our shared region and the world,” he said.
He noted that this is the first EU summit ever held with a Southern Mediterranean or Middle Eastern partner.
El-Sisi added that the summit comes at a crucial time of regional and global complexity, demonstrating the importance both sides attach to strengthening their partnership and achieving mutual benefits.
He emphasized ongoing consultation and coordination on political, security, and economic issues across the Mediterranean, as well as efforts to expand economic and development cooperation between Egypt and the EU.
Historical relations
El-Sisi stressed that relations between Egypt and EU member states are deeply rooted in history and geography and based on shared strategic interests.
“The EU is Egypt’s largest trading partner and main supporter of its sustainable development and modernization programmes. In turn, Egypt serves as a secure gateway and bridge linking Europe with the Arab and African worlds,” he said.
He described Egypt as a credible and reliable partner for the EU, capable of attracting investment and contributing to global production chains, particularly amid global economic tensions and instability.
El-Sisi said the summit focused on promoting cooperation in economic and investment fields, especially in developing human capital, which he called a cornerstone of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He also called for exploring new areas of collaboration.
Irregular migration
Addressing irregular migration, El-Sisi described it as a shared challenge that must be addressed by dealing with its root causes rather than its symptoms.
“Egypt believes the lasting solution lies in promoting sustainable economic and social development, ensuring stability, and creating opportunities for employment and training,” he said.
He highlighted Egypt’s success in curbing irregular migration, noting that no boats carrying migrants have departed its shores for Europe since September 2016.
“Egypt currently hosts more than 9.5 million foreign nationals who have fled crises in their countries. They receive the same services and treatment as Egyptian citizens,” El-Sisi stated.
Horizon Europe programme
El-Sisi also welcomed the signing of the agreement for Egypt’s accession to the Horizon Europe programme, describing it as a key step toward strengthening cooperation with the EU in higher education, research, and innovation.
He called it an investment in the prosperity of current and future generations and a bridge between the peoples of the Northern and Southern Mediterranean.
“We are united by strong historical ties and shared interests,” El-Sisi said, stressing the need for a more stable and prosperous future built on justice, peace, and mutual respect.
El-Sisi urged that the summit serve as a mandate to advance into a new phase of joint action to promote peace and development, and to make Egyptian-European relations a model of cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean.
The Egypt-EU Summit will be held every two years, alternating between Cairo and Brussels, to strengthen political and economic cooperation and enhance regional stability.
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