During the meeting, FM Abdelatty highlighted the positive momentum in Egypt-EU relations since the March 2024 Joint Declaration, which elevated the partnership to a Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership, and noted the successful first Egypt-EU Summit held in Brussels on 22 October.
He reiterated Egypt's keenness to strengthen cooperation across all six pillars of the partnership. He also stressed that the international community must share the costs of ongoing geopolitical crises, particularly the pressures created by refugee and migration flows.
He noted the significant burdens Egypt carries as it continues to host millions of foreign nationals fleeing instability in neighbouring countries.
The minister briefed the EU commissioner on recent developments in the Gaza Strip, including efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in line with the Sharm El-Sheikh peace agreement.
He outlined Egypt’s preparations to host the International Conference on the Early Recovery, Reconstruction, and Development in Gaza, stressing the need to rebuild the strip’s infrastructure and ensure the safe and unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid.
Abdelatty welcomed the first meeting of the Palestine Donor Group in Brussels on 20 November and expressed hope for strong EU and member-state participation in supporting reconstruction.
He underscored the importance of activating European support mechanisms for the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority, including measures to strengthen the authority’s budget.
On Sudan, Abdelatty condemned the violations committed in El-Fasher and reviewed Egypt’s efforts within the Quartet Mechanism to help end the conflict and safeguard Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
He stressed the need for humanitarian assistance to reach affected areas while respecting Sudanese sovereignty and reiterated Egypt's readiness to facilitate aid delivery and work with international bodies to ease civilian suffering.
The meeting also addressed the situation in Lebanon, with Abdelatty presenting the results of his Wednesday visit to Beirut, carried out under the directives of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to support Lebanon and explore ways to reduce tensions and strengthen stability.
He reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty, security, and stability.
Abdelatty also restated Egypt’s position on Syria, emphasizing the need to respect Syria’s unity and sovereignty, rejecting any actions that could undermine its stability, and calling for the revival of a comprehensive political process that reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people.
For her part, Commissioner Lahbib praised Egypt’s key role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
She commended Egypt’s efforts to help secure the ceasefire in Gaza and enable the delivery of humanitarian aid and affirmed the European Union’s strong support for Egypt and its commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership.
Launched in March 2024, the Egypt-EU Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership is built on six pillars: political coordination, economic support, trade and investment, migration, security, and people-to-people ties.
The framework includes a 7.4 billion euro economic and financial package, expanded cooperation on regional crises, and measures to reinforce Egypt’s role as a key Euro-Mediterranean partner.
The pillars also prioritize joint action on border management and anti-smuggling efforts, cooperation on maritime security and counterterrorism, and deeper engagement in education, research, cultural exchange, and social development, forming the most comprehensive structure to govern Egypt-EU relations.
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