The official spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the meeting discussed the latest developments and events in the Middle East region, as well as ways to de-escalate the current tensions and restore regional and international peace and stability.
Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, the official spokesperson, indicated that the meeting began with opening remarks by António Costa, President of the European Council, Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
They welcomed the participating leaders and emphasized the importance of continuing consultations between regional countries and the European Union to maintain security and stability in the region.
The spokesperson added that the President delivered a speech during the meeting, the text of which is as follows:
Below is the full text of President El-Sisi's speech:
*“In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful*
His Excellency Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus;
His Excellency Mr. António Costa, President of the European Council;
Her Excellency Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government of friendly Arab and European countries, Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
At the outset of my speech, I would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to my dear friends, His Excellency President Christodoulides and Mr. Costa, for this kind invitation. I also express my gratitude to our friendly European leaders for participating in this meeting, which is being held at a very delicate time, as the Middle East region is witnessing waves of crises and conflicts that threaten the aspirations of its peoples for stability and development.
Our meeting today reflects a deep awareness of the shared destiny between the two shores of the Mediterranean. The crises in our region do not stop at its borders; rather, their repercussions extend to affect everyone, foremost among them the European continent, which is one of the most affected parties by these developments.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Iranian crisis has cast a dark shadow over the entire international situation, with serious repercussions on regional stability, maritime navigation, and the global economy, particularly energy and food security and prices, and the disruption of supply chains. It also includes the potential threat of nuclear contamination, which in itself represents a catastrophe.
Egypt has been, and continues to be, keen to exert intensive efforts to contain the conflict and prevent its expansion, especially in light of the unacceptable Iranian attacks—which are rejected under any circumstances—that have targeted the Arab Gulf states, Jordan, and brotherly Iraq. We reaffirm our full condemnation and rejection of these attacks and of any threats to Arab national security.
I would also like to reaffirm our full support for the security of Arab brotherly states as an integral part of Egypt’s national security.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Egypt’s fundamental positions are clear and unequivocal. Foremost among them is the affirmation that the political path remains the only acceptable means to overcome the current situation and achieve sustainable stability.
Egypt also stresses the necessity of full respect for freedom of navigation and the importance of securing international shipping lanes as a firm principle of international law.
Recent developments have proven beyond any doubt that resolving conflicts through peaceful means has become a necessity, not an option. This is in addition to the urgent need to establish a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction and the full, non-selective implementation of the nuclear non-proliferation regime in the region.
The Palestinian cause remains the core issue of the region and the central issue of the Arab world and the Middle East.
I emphasize the importance of not allowing any party to exploit the regional situation to take measures that undermine the prospects of peace and coexistence between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples on the basis of the two-state solution.
Given the continued highly tense situation in the occupied Palestinian territories—whether in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, or the Gaza Strip—I would like to present several key facts:
First: The necessity of the Palestinian people remaining on their land, and the importance of intensifying efforts to stop settlement policies and prevent any attempts to displace them or liquidate the Palestinian cause.
Second: The importance of the Palestinian national committee assuming responsibility for governing the Gaza Strip, along with the swift deployment of an international stabilization force to monitor the ceasefire.
Third: The necessity for Israel to fulfill its obligations under the first phase, and for all parties to proceed with implementing the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Fourth: The immediate launch of early recovery and reconstruction projects across the Strip to ensure the restoration of normal life for the Palestinian people.
From this standpoint, I call on the European Union and its member states to continue supporting the Palestinian cause and not allow it to decline in priority. There is no alternative to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the borders of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the two-state solution endorsed by the international community as the only path to lasting peace in the region.
Ladies and Gentlemen, achieving stability in brotherly Lebanon is among Egypt’s top priorities. We stress the importance of adhering to the ceasefire recently reached and of concerted efforts by all partners to prevent a return to escalation.
I also reaffirm our full support for the Lebanese state and its institutions, and the necessity for the international community to assume its responsibilities in supporting Lebanon’s national institutions to carry out their pivotal role and to end the Israeli occupation and attacks.
We also reaffirm our firm position supporting the sovereignty, unity, and stability of brotherly Sudan, and the importance of supporting national state institutions and rejecting any equivalence between them and parallel entities.
Egypt is committed to engaging with all efforts aimed at restoring stability in Sudan and achieving a humanitarian truce as soon as possible. We look forward to the European Union continuing its supportive role in line with our approach to the Sudan crisis.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Egyptian-European relations are deeply rooted in a long history of fruitful cooperation, which was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024 and crowned by the first summit in October 2025. This reflects a mutual understanding of the importance of cooperation in achieving shared interests and enhancing regional stability.
I reaffirm our firm commitment to advancing this partnership in a way that achieves practical mutual benefits, especially in priority areas outlined in the New Pact for the Mediterranean, which includes human development, economy and sustainability, and security and migration.
On human development, Egypt believes that human capital is the foundation of sustainable development. Therefore, joint investment in education, scientific research, and technology transfer is essential. Egypt aspires to become an industrial hub for the European Union, while also improving youth employability, thereby reducing irregular migration by creating local job opportunities.
On the economic level, Egypt is working toward integration into European and global value chains by developing industry and exporting high-value-added products. Experience over recent years has proven Egypt to be a reliable partner for the EU in line with its policy of diversifying supply chains.
On migration, Egypt has taken responsibility in combating irregular migration, which has been widely appreciated by partners. Egypt also hosts around ten million people who were forced to leave their countries due to harsh conditions, without receiving significant external financial support.
We look forward to a comprehensive partnership with the EU on migration, including job creation, development, capacity building, and providing legal pathways for migration for study and work, addressing root causes through a shared development agenda.
Ladies and Gentlemen, what happens in Europe resonates in our region—and vice versa. The recent crises clearly demonstrate the urgent need for dialogue, cooperation, and burden-sharing among partners to develop common understandings that prevent the recurrence of such conflicts.
It has become clear that isolation is not the path to stability. The correct path is dialogue, addressing challenges boldly, sharing responsibilities, and developing joint visions for the benefit of our peoples and future generations.
Thank you.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
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Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides at the EU-Arab consultative meeting. Egyptian Presidency
The official spokesperson of the Egyptian Presidency added that heads of state and government also discussed several regional and international issues, as well as ways to resolve various conflicts in the region, in addition to opportunities to strengthen partnerships across the Mediterranean for shared development and prosperity.
In this context, the Egyptian President stressed that any agreements reached must be fair and balanced, taking into account the concerns of all parties, particularly the Arab side. This applies to the Iranian file as well as the Syrian and Lebanese files. He also emphasized the importance of any agreement concerning Iran addressing the security concerns of the Arab Gulf states.
In the same context, the Presidents of Lebanon and Syria and the Crown Prince of Jordan praised the remarks and conclusions made by the Egyptian President during the meeting.
On the sidelines of the meeting, President El-Sisi also held meetings with the President of France, the German Chancellor, the President of Romania, the Prime Minister of Denmark, the Prime Minister of Italy, the Prime Minister of Ireland, and the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
President El-Sisi speaks with President Macron at the event. Egyptian Presidency
President El-Sisi speaks with President of the European Council António Costa at the event. Egyptian Presidency
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