Egypt and the European Union are meeting for their first-ever summit in Brussels, with talks focused on migration, trade, and regional security.
By Vatican News
Egypt and the European Union will hold their first summit in Brussels on Wednesday.
Leaders will discuss security, trade and migration as well as stability in Gaza and are expected to announce increased European economic support to Egypt.
The summit comes as the EU has sought to forge new trade and security deals amidst geopolitical tumult sparked by the protectionist policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and export controls from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Part of the EU’s approach is a so-called Pact of the Mediterranean, in which the EU seeks deeper integration with countries from Morocco to Turkey, including offering European aid in exchange for efforts to slow migration to Europe.
Egypt is weathering soaring inflation, as well as instability from the still smouldering war in neighbouring Gaza.
Egyptian President El-Sisi told world leaders last week that US President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace proposal represents the last chance for peace in the region, and reiterated his call for a two state solution, saying that Palestinians have the right to an independent state.
The EU is Egypt’s largest trading partner. During the signing of a joint declaration last year, Brussels announced a €7.4 billion aid package for cash strapped Egypt in the form of loans, investment and support for specific programs.
In return, Egypt was to continue its clampdown on migrant boats leaving for the EU from its territory.
The North African country faces its own migration pressures, and in recent years has become a point of transit for those attempting the dangerous Mediterranean Sea crossing to Europe.
Source: Associated Press.
