Egypt's Al-Sisi, European Commission chief discuss cooperation in energy sector

EU to provide Egypt with €100m aid package to face repercussions of global food crisis

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi stressed that his country is constantly working to deepen its partnership with the European Union (EU), in order to achieve a qualitative leap in the relationship between the two sides.

Al-Sisi said during a joint press conference on Wednesday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is currently visiting Cairo, that Egypt considers the EU a main partner in development.

The Egyptian president also indicated that his country is working to strengthen cooperation with the EU, especially in the field of energy, pointing out that an agreement was reached on laying the foundations for a strategic partnership in the field of energy with Europe.

Al-Sisi stressed that the international community is going through difficult circumstances and that peaceful dialogue must prevail to resolve disputes. Therefore, he affirmed Egypt's keenness to reach a legally binding agreement on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He also called for pushing forward peaceful talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Al-Sisi said that Egypt continues to intensify coordination with regional powers to fight against terrorism and illegal migration.

The discussions between President Al-Sisi and von der Leyen included vital issues of common concern, particularly food security and energy crises.

Al-Sisi said the talks touched on development challenges, and what Egypt has achieved during the economic reform programme. Egyptian efforts to provide decent living conditions for citizens were also reviewed.

Al-Sisi explained that the current conditions in the world require more cooperation on both sides, and that ways to achieve a qualitative leap in the partnership between Egypt and the European Union were discussed, noting that the EU-Egypt partnership priorities till 2027 will achieve more integration between the two parties.

On her part, von der Leyen said: "Egypt is a reliable partner for us," adding: "We have to find just solutions for the food security crisis."

She pointed out that the war of Russia and Ukraine affected Europe as the continent depends on Russian energy exports.

She noted that Egypt has the capabilities to be a pioneer in the field of new and renewable energy, stressing commitment to a strong partnership with Egypt in all fields.

Von der Leyen said that global food security is in a critical situation, stressing the need to free up grain stocks stuck in Ukraine.

She also announced that the EU will provide Egypt with a €100m aid package to face repercussions of the global food crisis.

"We will direct €3bn to agriculture, water, and sanitation programmes in the region. These investments will support food systems in your region and elsewhere, so that we can together discuss how to develop solutions and technologies that are fit for purpose here in Egypt," She added.

Regarding COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, she said: "We all know that your country will play a crucial role in COP27 to keep the global community on track towards our climate goals, but also to boost the modern technologies for clean energy that is so necessary."