Egypt is the European Union's (EU) most important neighbour in the Southern Neighbourhood, head of the EU Delegation to Egypt, ambassador Ivan Surkoš, said, affirming that both sides have strategic relations which have considerably developed over the years. Egypt and the EU jointly agreed on three priorities for their partnership until 2020, including working towards Egypt's sustainable modern economy and social development, cooperating in foreign policy, and enhancing stability, the ambassador said, during his speech at the Europe Day celebration that was organised by the EU Delegation on Tuesday evening. The Egyptian and European authorities maintain a high-level dialogue as regards the implementation of these priorities, the ambassador mentioned, highlighting the cooperation between both sides in the launch of the first ever Cairo Water Week (CWW) that took place in October 2018. “Our contribution in the CWW emanated from our commitment to Egypt's overall sustainable development, especially in the water sector. We were with our Egyptian friends when the idea of the CWW came to life and during all the preparations. We celebrated with Egypt its success," he added. The ambassador said that he joined the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Mohamed Abdel Aty, on 14 April to announce the second edition of the CWW and the activities that will take place. “We are confident that our cooperation with Egypt in the CWW and in the water sector in general will contribute valuably to the efforts exercised by Egypt to improve its water management and a better quality of life for Egyptians,” he noted. Additionally, the ambassador referred to the first summit at the level of leaders of the EU and its member states and the League of Arab States and its member states, which took place in Sharm El-Sheikh in February 2019. “From the EU itself, the representation was at the highest level with Presidents Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker and the High Representative Federica Mogherini. This shows how much we do value the relations between the EU and the Arab region. Together we are stronger,” he noted. Underlining the importance of having strong, stable neighbours, Surkoš pointed out, “my neighbour's strength is my strength. We believe this in the EU and we apply it in our external relations." “The 9 of May is an occasion to highlight peace, unity, and prosperity in Europe. In today's world, the European Union is more indispensable than ever, and that is why we understand the need to work on strengthening our union,” he stressed. “On 9 May summit in Romania, our leaders are expected to mark the culmination of this process with a renewed commitment to an EU that delivers on the issues that really matter to people,” Surkoš stated.
