Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Irish President Michael Higgins held discussions on Wednesday on ways to strengthen bilateral relations. The talks also covered recent developments in Syria and the ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
During talks at the Presidential Palace in the Irish capital, Sisi and Higgins agreed on the need to expand international recognition of the Palestinian state in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions. They agreed that such recognition is crucial for achieving lasting peace, restoring regional stability, and addressing the aspirations of the peoples of the Middle East for peace and prosperity.
Sisi started Tuesday an official visit to Dublin on the third and last leg of his European tour that included Denmark and Norway.
Presidency spokesman Mohamed Al-Shennawy stated that Egypt-Ireland talks in Dublin highlighted the need to continue strengthening relations between the two countries in areas of common interest. He highlighted the need to boost trade and investments by facilitating trade missions between the two countries.
The talks also tackled the situation in Syria.
Sisi affirmed the need to increase the engagement of Irish companies in the Egyptian market, which provides great opportunities and facilitations in various sectors.
They also reviewed the measures taken by Egypt to achieve economic reform, comprehensive development, and to attract foreign investments.
According to Al-Shennawy, the officials also discussed the situation in the Middle East, as well as Egypt's role in mediating a Gaza ceasefire, exchanging hostages, and facilitating unconditional and obstacle-free access to humanitarian aid.
The leaders agreed on the need to expand international recognition of the Palestinian state in line with relevant United Nations resolutions, so as to achieve peace, restore stability, and respond to the aspirations of the peoples of the region for peace and prosperity.
For the past year, Egypt, Qatar and the US have been jointly mediating a ceasefire and hostage deal in the Gaza Strip.
Also in Dublin, Sisi met with Irish Prime Minister, Simon Harris.
The two sides emphasized their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across various fields, particularly in the economic sector according to Al-Shennawy.
Sisi and Harris also agreed to take concrete steps to benefit from Ireland's technological expertise in sectors such as industry, communications, agriculture, and the environment..
The meeting similarly addressed the situation in the Middle East, with an overview of Egypt's efforts to reach a ceasefire and facilitate unfettered and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The two sides also reiterated the crucial need to prevent further escalation or expansion of the conflict.
In this regard, the Irish PM expressed appreciation for Egypt’s historical role in supporting the Palestinian cause and people, commending Egypt’s diligent and wise efforts toward deescalation and achieving stability in the region.
For his part, Sisi lauded Ireland’s bold stances in support of the Palestinian cause.
During Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized the importance of Sisi's European tour and its positive impact on the country’s economic and industrial landscape.
The PM spoke about Sisi’s visits to Denmark, Norway, and Ireland, underscoring the strategic partnerships and agreements signed during the tour that aim to strengthen Egypt’s global position.
Madbouly said the trip saw the declaration of a strategic partnership with Denmark, paving the way for increased collaboration in sectors like renewable energy, trade, and technology.
He noted that these agreements open new avenues for cooperation and support Egypt’s economic diversification goals.
