Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi received Sunday EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, who expressed the EU’s aspiration to boost cooperation with Egypt.

Egyptian Presidency spokesperson Bassam Rady said that Sisi welcomed the visit of the commissioner to Cairo.

Sisi expressed Egypt's aspiration to develop ties with the EU amid the growing challenges in the region.

Varhelyi stated that the EU counts on Egypt as a strategic partner in maintaining peace and stability in the region, stressing that the EU seeks further cooperation to address the regional challenges.

The EU Commissioner praised Egypt’s relentless efforts in combating terrorism, extremist ideologies, and illegal immigration, as well as promoting a culture of tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. He said these are at the forefront of the EU’s priorities.

The officials discussed topics of common interest between Egypt and the EU, mainly educational, and medical matters in facing the COVID-19 pandemic through the joint production of the vaccines.

The commissioner commended Egypt’s efforts to achieve calm and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, in addition to the initiative regarding the reconstruction of Gaza.

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry had received the EU Commissioner before the latter met with Sisi.

Shoukry pointed out the significance of dialogue and concrete measures to address the trade balance deficit between Egypt and the European Union. He said such efforts would pave way for the entry of Egyptian goods to the European market.