Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry has received a telephone call from European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, to discuss cooperation opportunities between Egypt and the European Union (EU). During the call, both sides acquainted themselves with Egypt's development projects in various fields, many of which are being carried out in cooperation with European companies. Ahmed Hafez, Spokesperson for Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Shoukry expressed his country's aspiration to enhance development relations with the EU, notably by focusing on a number of important areas. The most important of these areas includes support for Egyptian efforts to confront the repercussions of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including support for protection programmes. These will come in addition to supporting Egypt's tendency to benefit from the specialised technical assistance programmes provided by the European Commission, and which seek to develop specific economic sectors in accordance with Egypt's priorities. For his part, Varhelyi said that strengthening partnership with Egypt is a priority for the EU, and that European institutions are ready to quickly engage with Egypt. This engagement will focus on launching development and investment projects that enhance mutual interests, and contribute to deepening cooperation bonds between Egypt and the EU.
