Borrell made his remarks during a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Cairo following a meeting.

The meeting covered many topics, including bilateral EU-Egyptian relations and the regional developments in Gaza, Sudan and the African Horn.

As part of a Gaza-focused tour, the EU's top diplomat arrived in Egypt on Monday. He met Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing.

During the presser, Borrell highlighted Egypt’s commendable efforts in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, stressing the importance of improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

He also voiced the EU’s support for mediation efforts made by Egypt, Qatar and the US to reach an agreement ending the Israeli 11-month-long war.

"There are always emerging problems, refugee camps in Gaza, and attacks that have claimed the lives of more than 40,000 people. I raise my voice against these actions, as there are laws governing wars, and unfortunately, they have not been adhered to," he noted.

Borrell emphasized that the European Union is utilizing its diplomatic tools to press for a ceasefire, not merely expressing hopes, as it is the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

However, he criticized international law negligence.

"Those waging war show no concern for ending it. They pretend to care only to enjoy immunity, and it seems international law is being neglected, as are the institutions like the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, along with their rulings," lamented Borrell.

Borrell also reaffirmed the EU’s ongoing support for Egypt in delivering humanitarian aid and promoting political solutions.

"The situation in the region continues to deteriorate, leading to humanitarian disasters and security risks," he noted, emphasizing, "The crises pose a direct threat to both Egypt and European security."

From his side, Badr Abdelatty ensured full and unconditional access to humanitarian and medical aid in Gaza during his talks with Borrell.

The talks also stressed the need to prevent escalation in the West Bank, Lebanon, and the wider region to avoid slipping into a regional war, Abdelatty added.

This requires an end to the Israeli aggression against Gaza, he asserted.

Egypt’s top diplomat emphasized the urgent need to implement the two-state solution and establish a Palestinian state as soon as possible.

He pointed out that the occupied Palestinian territories are witnessing blatant violations, urging a commitment to enforce international law and uphold the UN Charter.

“Many in the Arab and Egyptian street feel that there are double standards and unequal application of the law across all crises,” he continued.

Sudan, GERD and the Horn of Africa

Abdelatty said his discussions with Josep Borrell also covered the humanitarian and catastrophic crisis in Sudan, Yemen, Libya, the Horn of Africa, and the Red Sea region.

Borrell highlighted the economic pressure on Egypt from hosting refugees seeking safety from neighbouring countries.

"One million people are seeking refuge in Egypt, placing economic pressure on the country. I understand that you are making great efforts to support the refugees, and we too have a duty to help them," he said

Borrell also acknowledged the impact of the situation in Sudan on Egypt, which has received thousands of Sudanese fleeing the war.

Abdelatty also said, “Relations are tense in the Horn of Africa due to Ethiopia signing an illegal memorandum of understanding with a separatist entity that threatens the unity and integrity of Somalia."

Abdelatty emphasized that Egypt expects the EU to support its water rights, especially in light of the intransigent stances regarding reaching a legally binding agreement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

From his side, Josep Borrell noted that Egypt is participating in the UN peacekeeping mission to safeguard Somalia’s unity and security.

Egyptian-EU Strategic Relations

Additionally, Abdelatty and Borrell touched upon the upgrading of Egypt-EU relations to the level of partnership and cooperation in the six fields covered by the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership in March.

During the joint press conference, Abdelatty mentioned that relations between the two sides are witnessing a "significant turning point" after signing the joint declaration to upgrade relations to the level of a strategic partnership.

He noted that the inaugural Egypt-EU investment conference, attended by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, resulted in 29 agreements and MoUs worth over €49 billion.

Abdelatty stated that "Egypt aspires to be a key hub for energy production, especially new and renewable energy," citing ongoing projects to supply the EU with electricity generated from wind and solar energy.”

Additionally, the two sides agreed to hold a summit every two years, co-chaired by El-Sisi and the EU Commission president.

He also noted that Egypt bears significant burdens, including the loss of a large portion of revenues from the Suez Canal due to the recent Red Sea tensions and the hosting of large numbers of guests.

Cairo anticipates that the EU will take advantage of the investment opportunities in the Egyptian economy and transfer the agreed-upon funds, he added.