Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty has met European Council President Antonio Costa on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum in Slovenia. Abdel-Aty expressed Egypt's hope to hold the first Egypt-EU summit soon to sustain momentum in ties. He said this would boost political, economic, security, and scientific cooperation within the six pillars of the strategic partnership. He noted the positive progress in relations since the visit of the European Commission president to Cairo in March 2024 and the joint declaration elevating ties to a strategic and comprehensive partnership. Talks also addressed the situation in Gaza. Abdel-Aty described the humanitarian crisis in the strip as catastrophic, warning it had reached the level of famine. He stressed the need for joint regional and international efforts to achieve a ceasefire and urged the international community to stop Israel's violations in Gaza and the West Bank. He called on the EU to pressure Israel to end restrictions on humanitarian aid. The minister warned against the dangers of Israeli settlement policies and military escalation, saying they undermine the establishment of a Palestinian state. He underlined the importance of pressing Israel to accept the proposed ceasefire plan, allow aid delivery, and abandon unrealistic preconditions. Abdel-Aty voiced hope the EU would take effective steps to halt Israeli violations and push for adherence to international and humanitarian law. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
