Speaking to MENA on the sidelines of the sixth regional conference of the foreign ministers of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in Barcelona, Shoukry said the Egyptian partnership with the EU, either in the political or economic domains, is profound, varied and serves both sides.

As one of the founders of the UfM, Egypt is keen on taking part in all the activities of the union because they serve both the northern and southern Mediterranean countries in the political, economic and cultural fields, Shoukry said.

Shoukry underlined the union’s important role in boosting cooperation between Mediterranean countries in accordance with set priorities that include preserving the environment in the Mediterranean region, referring to Egypt's preparations for hosting the 27th climate change conference (COP 27).

On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Shoukry discussed with his Finnish counterpart Pekka Haavistoon a wide range of issues of mutual concern.

Earlier on Monday, Shoukry met with his Slovenian counterpart Anže Logar and they discussed bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Egyptian FM also met with a number of European and Arab officials and top diplomats, including the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.