This came during a press conference with German President Frank Steinmeier, who is visiting Cairo.

“These policies are extremely dangerous and have greatly impacted the credibility and concept of human rights values that we have been discussing for many years,” El-Sisi stressed.

El-Sisi urged Europe to utilize its substantial influence to “build additional momentum” and pressure the parties involved to secure an agreement that promotes stability and eases the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

He highlighted Egypt’s significant and constructive role in mediating in coordination with Qatar and the United States between Hamas and Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement to end the Gaza war.

The Egyptian president discussed with his German counterpart the importance of restoring stability in the region, particularly in Sudan and Libya, to resolve and diminish the current regional unrest. 

“We emphasized the need to prevent the region from sliding into greater instability or escalating conflicts in the West Bank, Southern Lebanon, Yemen, and elsewhere,” he added. 

For his part, President Steinmeier described the situation in Gaza as catastrophic amid the ongoing conflict in the strip.

“This suffering must come to an end,” he stated.

While acknowledging the challenges to achieving peace, Steinmeier expressed support for a ceasefire and a detainee swap plan proposed by US President Joe Biden.

The German president emphasized that all parties must exercise their influence over Palestine and Israel to advocate for the urgently needed ceasefire.

“Egypt, in particular, is playing a crucial role, and we are grateful for its intensive efforts to facilitate an agreement between Israel and Hamas,” he added.

Steinmeier also underscored that security and peace are essential for realizing a two-state solution.

He highlighted the economic damage inflicted by the Houthis on the Suez Canal amid rising tensions in the Red Sea.

“The Suez Canal is a vital lifeline for us and all Europe. We will not allow armed groups… to undermine our collective interests,” he stated.

Bilateral ties
 

President El-Sisi stressed to his German counterpart the vitality of continuing cooperation and strengthening relations in various fields, including education and capacity building.  

“We are proud to count Germany among our most important partners. Most major projects over the past years have involved esteemed German companies, especially in large projects such as energy and transportation.” 

The Egyptian president highlighted the major and remarkable impacts of those projects on Egypt’s infrastructure. 

The Egyptian president assured German companies that their investments are secure, despite the significant crises Egypt has faced over the past four years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and ongoing instability on its borders with Sudan, Libya, Gaza, and Israel.  

He emphasized Egypt’s commitment to safeguarding all investments, particularly those of Germany and ensuring the fulfilment of German companies’ dues amid these challenges. 

One notable project being conducted by German firms is the high-speed train by Siemens.

Steinmeier noted that historic relations between Egypt and Germany have been built on mutual trust and diversity, particularly in education, science, and foreign policy.

He announced plans to increase the number of German schools in Egypt from seven to 100, under a previously signed agreement.