Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi received on Monday at the Ittihadiya Palace Zoran Milanović, the President of the Republic of Croatia. Milanović is visiting Cairo for official consultations and discussions on bilateral and international affairs. The meeting witnessed the holding of bilateral discussions, followed by extensive discussions including the delegations of the two countries, according to Ahmed Fahmy, the official spokesperson for the Presidency. During the discussions, the two presidents expressed mutual appreciation for the extended historical relations between Egypt and Croatia. Al-Sisi emphasised that the visit of the Croatian president to Egypt reflects the importance that the two parties attach to these relations. He stressed the joint keenness to move these relations to broader horizons and a more distinguished level, especially in light of what Egypt represents as a basic pillar of stability in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, as well as the important role of Croatia within the institutions of the European Union. The two presidents discussed ways to move forward in strengthening and developing bilateral relations between the two countries in various fields, in a way that contributes to achieving the interests of the Egyptian and Croatian peoples. Both officials agreed to intensify mutual bilateral visits at various levels, with the aim of deepening cooperation at all levels, especially with regard to strengthening tourism cooperation in light of the distinguished experience of Croatia in this regard. They also discussed the investment relations between the two countries, to boost facing the challenges posed by the global economic crisis, and to maximise the benefit from the various investment opportunities offered by the current development projects in Egypt, especially in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, as well as to maximise the volume of trade exchange and cooperation to enhance energy security in both the Mediterranean basin and Europe. Fahmy added that the meeting also witnessed a review of a number of files of common interest, including Egypt's efforts in confronting illegal immigration and terrorism, which are praised and appreciated by all international parties, including the European Union. The discussions also touched on various issues in the Middle East region, especially the Palestinian Cause, where they agreed on the importance of intensifying the efforts of the international community to calm the situation and contain the recent tensions between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. Al-Sisi affirmed the Egyptian position on settling the Cause through the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in accordance with international legitimacy. The talks also dealt with the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, where the president affirmed Egypt's support for giving priority to dialogue and activating all means leading to calm and reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict.
