Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met on Sunday with EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process Sven Koopmans amid the Arab nation’s continued efforts to revive internationally-supported negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.
“Receiving Koopmans in Cairo, Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s aspiration to continue cooperation with the EU during the coming period to push forward the path for peace in the Middle East,” the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement.
Their meeting was held a month after Israel and Palestinian factions agreed on an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
“Egypt will continue its efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and to achieve the desired calm and stability,” the statement confirmed, adding that Cairo will also support reconstruction efforts and meeting the development needs of Palestinians.
Egypt’s top diplomat also conveyed to Koopmans the importance of providing a conducive environment and a true will to get the wheel of negotiations moving again.
“Shoukry stressed the importance of having a real will and an appropriate atmosphere for urgently reviving negotiations that would lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders demarcated on June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” said foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Hafez.
Hafez reiterated that Shoukry’s message aligns with international resolutions and works to advocate comprehensive peace and justice in the region.
He also said he looks forward to the EU offering the needed and multifaceted support to the Palestinian cause.
Moreover, Hafez highlighted Koopmans’ recognition of “Egypt’s supportive role for peace efforts in the Middle East.”
Egypt helped mediate the ceasefire in Gaza, and it continues to back efforts for achieving Palestinian reconciliation.
Koopmans voiced his aspiration to coordinate and consult with Egypt to support current efforts to advance peace.
