EU HR Borrell met Abdel Fattah Al Sissi, President of Egypt

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Egypt plays a key role in the region and is a partner of the European Union, said High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the EU Josep Borrell during a visit to Cairo on Thursday.

Borrell is visiting Egypt for talks that will discuss the latest events in neighboring Libya, where an internal conflict within the Government of National Accord (GNA) has further complicated the ongoing war there.

"Started important visit to Cairo with profound exchange with President Sisi. Egypt plays a key role in the region and we strive for bolstering relationship and for further cooperating on issues of mutual interest. EU and #Egypt are strong partners," tweeted Borrell on Thursday.

Egypt supports the rival of the Turkish-backed GNA, the Libyan National Army (LNA), and has warned that it will not allow Turkey or the GNA to seize control of the strategic city of Sirte.

Sisi to Borrell: Egypt Supports All Peace Efforts in Libya

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received Thursday, Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policies and Vice President of the European Commission, in the presence of Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Christian Berger, Ambassador of the European Union in Cairo, according to Presidency Spokesperson Bassam Rady.

“President Sisi welcomed Borrell’s visit in the context of the depth and durability of the complex relations between Egypt and the European Union and the strong ties that bind the two sides in light of the common challenges, most notably the Eastern Mediterranean crises,” Rady added.

On his part, Borrell expressed his honor to meet the Egyptian president, conveying the greetings of the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission to the Sisi.

He also lauded the distinguished historical relations between the European Union and Egypt, especially in light of the political weight enjoyed by Cairo on the international and regional levels.

The official spokesman added that the meeting touched on coordination efforts between Egypt and the European Union on many important regional and international issues, especially developments in Libya.

Sisi affirmed Egypt’s steadfast position in supporting the path of a political solution away from foreign interference and armed militias;” adding that “Egypt welcomes any positive and constructive steps in this direction that lead to peaceful settlement, construction and development.”

He also stressed Egypt’s support for the relevant international efforts including all international envoys to Libya and relevant international conferences, most importantly, the Berlin Conference, and the Cairo Declaration initiative.

On his part, the European official stressed Egypt’s pivotal role in achieving balance in the Libyan issue, and hailed the Egyptian efforts towards various issues that pose challenges in the region and affect security and stability in Mediterranean countries, such as preventing illegal immigration, combating terrorism and extremist ideology, and also towards establishing peace in the Middle East.

On the level of the peace process in the Middle East, it was agreed on the need to push collective international action towards the resumption of negotiations between the Palestinian and Israeli sides with the aim of a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian issue in accordance with international references in a manner that achieves security, stability, and prosperity for all the peoples of the region so as to reduce tension between the two parties regarding the Gaza Strip.

The meeting also discussed the Renaissance Dam issue.

“Sisi affirmed Egypt’s adherence to its water rights by reaching a balanced and binding legal agreement that guarantees clear rules for the process of filling and operating the dam and achieves the common interests of all parties,” Rady said.

He stressed the paramount importance of the water issue for Egypt, adding that it touches the heart of Egyptian national security.