President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, in a phone call he received from EC President, António Costa, expressed the country's commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union and with Mr Costa as EC President. President Sisi highlighted the momentum in Egypt-EU cooperation following the elevation of their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, underscoring the importance of fully implementing all aspects of this partnership. The call also addressed several regional issues of mutual interest. President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt's ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the exchange of hostages and detainees, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region's residents. He reaffirmed Egypt's stance that a two-state solution is the only viable path to achieving peace, stability, and development in the region. President Sisi called on the EU to support Egypt's initiatives for regional stability, particularly in light of the nation hosting over nine million foreign nationals displaced by crises in the Middle East. He also highlighted Egypt's critical role as the first line of defence against irregular migration to Europe. Additionally, he noted that Egypt incurred a $7 billion loss in 2024 due to decreased Suez Canal revenues caused by security challenges in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The president warned of the grave consequences of escalating conflicts in the region, which could lead to a full-scale war. He urged the international community, including the European Union, to advocate for an agreement to end the Gaza conflict, secure a ceasefire in Lebanon, and restore stability to the region. President Sisi reiterated Egypt's firm rejection of any attempts to undermine the Palestinian cause or forcibly displace Palestinians. Regarding Syria, President Sisi reiterated Egypt's consistent position on preserving the unity, territorial integrity, and security of Syria while advocating for a political process that includes all segments of the Syrian population. In response, António Costa expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt's pivotal role in maintaining regional stability. He affirmed the EU's eagerness to intensify consultations with Egypt and support its efforts to promote peace and stability during this critical period. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
