Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held talks on Thursday with President of the European Commission Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen, on the sidelines of his visit to Brussels.
Sisi headed to Brussels to participate in the sixth European Union-African Union Summit, held on Feb. 17 and 18, under the theme "Africa and Europe: Two Continents with a Shared Vision until 2030."
He underscored the importance of developing and deepening the traditional partnership between Cairo and the European Union.
Egypt and the EU share the Mediterranean region, which had a major impact in extending bridges of civilizational, cultural, commercial and political communication between Egypt and the European continent throughout the history, Sisi said.
Presidential spokesman Ambassador Bassam Rady said Von der Leyen welcomed Sisi’s visit to the EU headquarters.
She stressed keenness to communicate regularly with the Egyptian president, describing Egypt as an EU key strategic partner.
She said the EU looks forward to bolstering cooperation with Cairo at various levels, in light of in light of its regional and international political influence.
According to Rady, the meeting focused on following up on the developments of bilateral ties, especially in the fields of new and renewable energy, infrastructure and green transformation.
Both sides agreed to cooperate in the fight against illegal migration, extremist ideology and terrorism.
Rady said they discussed the most important political issues of common interest in the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa regions.
Von der Leyen underlined the great importance the EU attaches to Egypt’s pivotal role in achieving balance in all regional issues.
Sisi also held extended summit talks with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in Brussels, in the presence of the delegations of the two countries.
Rady said the meeting touched on various issues of common interests, especially the development and management of ports and logistics, as well as clean and renewable energy and the green transformation.
De Croo lauded Egypt’s remarkable efforts, led by Sisi, in combating extremist ideology and consolidating the principles of freedom of belief, tolerance and acceptance of others, as well as efforts to empower women and launch the National Human Rights Strategy.
