Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed ties with European Union (EU) High Representative Catherine Ashton, also holding talks with Italian counterpart, Federica Mogherini, on the sidelines of the Gaza Reconstruction Conference. In a meeting on Sunday night, Shoukry discussed regional developments with Mogherini, who has been appointed to replace Ashton as EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Ashton's tenure as the EU's High Representative ends on 31 October. Mogherini was cited in a foreign ministry statement as praising Egypt's role maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, and in Gaza's post-conflict reconstruction. The fighting, which ended on 26 August through an Egypt-brokered ceasefire, lasted over 50 days and left more than 2,200 people dead. Shoukry also addressed ongoing Egyptian efforts and how they are close to bringing forward the resumption of indirect negotiations between the two sides. The two foreign ministers also discussed at length the situation in Libya and the importance of achieving security and stability in the country. In another meeting, Shoukry met with Ashton Sunday to discuss developments in Egyptian-EU ties. Ashton asserted the "pivotal" nature of these ties for both parties, a foreign ministry statement said. She expressed her desire to strengthen ties, economically and politically. Shoukry asserted that Egypt is also interested in reinforcing ties with the EU based on mutual respect and achieving common goals. Shoukry and Ashton also discussed Palestinian developments with the latter congratulating him for Egypt's hosting of the Gaza Reconstruction Conference and for its success. Earlier on Sunday, Egypt hosted the Gaza Reconstruction Conference which brought together representatives of over 90 countries. During the conference, a total of $5.4bn was pledged in aid.
