The president made his remarks during a meeting in Brussels with Kaja Kallas, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and vice-president of the European Commission, ahead of the first-ever Egypt-EU summit.
During the meeting, El-Sisi noted that Egypt has successfully prevented illegal migration boats from departing its shores since September 2016, while hosting around 10 million foreigners who have fled conflict and instability in their home countries.
He stressed that achieving stability in countries of origin remains the most effective way to address irregular migration, according to a statement from the Egyptian Presidency.
Kallas, for her part, expressed the EU’s appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to limit irregular migration, emphasizing that the EU’s approach focuses on supporting stability and development in countries of origin.
The EU has pledged 200 million euros in grants to Egypt for migration management as part of a 7.4-billion-euro aid and investment package announced after Egypt-EU relations were elevated to a strategic and comprehensive partnership in March.
Since 2016, Egypt has strengthened its measures against irregular migration by launching its first national migration strategy and enacting legislation to criminalize and tighten penalties for migrant smuggling. No migrant boats have departed from Egypt’s coasts since the launch of this strategy.
Middle East stability
Discussions also addressed the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.
According to a statement, President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to a “balanced and wise policy” aimed at promoting regional security and stability while avoiding "narrow interests."
He said the success of this approach has been evident over the past decade.
Reviewing Egypt’s efforts to resolve regional crises, El-Sisi called for respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and capacities of states, and for an end to foreign interference in their internal affairs.
He also highlighted Egypt’s role, alongside international mediators, in reaching the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement, which ended Israel’s two-year war in the Gaza Strip.
El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s keenness to enhance cooperation with the EU in implementing both the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement and the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
He underscored the importance of consolidating the ceasefire, ensuring the continuous flow of humanitarian aid, and launching reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
El-Sisi also referred to the conference on Gaza’s reconstruction and recovery that Egypt plans to host in November 2025.
Kallas praised Egypt’s vital role in achieving ceasefires and promoting stability, not only in Gaza but also in Sudan and other conflict-affected countries.
She said Trump’s plan represents a positive step and affirmed the EU’s willingness to take part in its implementation, according to the statement.
Kallas also stressed the importance of preserving the Palestinian Authority and reiterated the EU’s readiness to support Gaza’s reconstruction, including participation in the upcoming Cairo conference.
In addition, she emphasized the need to consolidate the Gaza ceasefire and to address the crises in Sudan and Libya in ways that safeguard their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
She further underlined the importance of ending the war in Ukraine and upholding international law.
El-Sisi and Kallas also discussed water security and developments in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, underscoring the importance of respecting international law and state sovereignty.
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