Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi on Sunday held a series of meetings with European leaders who were in Cairo, a day after attending the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), with discussions focusing on Gaza, Sudan, and bilateral cooperation. Al-Sisi met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Queen Mary of Denmark, and the prime ministers of the Benelux countries—Luc Frieden of Luxembourg, Dick Schoof of the Netherlands, and Bart De Wever of Belgium. The grand opening of the museum took place on Saturday. HUNGARY In his meeting with Orbán, Al-Sisi praised the growing momentum in bilateral relations, which were elevated to a strategic partnership in February 2023. Orbán, who had attended the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit on Oct. 13, stressed his government's keenness to continue strengthening cooperation. Al-Sisi also lauded Hungary's support for Egyptian positions within the EU, while Orbán praised Egypt's efforts in combating illegal migration and its role in regional peace. GERMANY With German President Steinmeier, Al-Sisi stressed Egypt's commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with Germany, particularly in the political, military, security, and economic fields. The two leaders discussed building on the results of the Sharm El-Sheikh summit to stabilise the ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the flow of humanitarian aid, and launch the reconstruction process. Steinmeier thanked Al-Sisi for Egypt's mediation efforts that led to the Gaza agreement. Both leaders affirmed that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve lasting peace. BENELUX Al-Sisi welcomed the prime ministers of the Benelux countries, noting the strong ties between Egypt and their union. He expressed Egypt's desire to boost investments from these countries, especially in renewable energy and green hydrogen. On migration, Al-Sisi highlighted that Egypt hosts about 9.5 million foreigners and that the best way to address illegal migration is to resolve crises in source countries. The leaders stressed the need to fully implement the Gaza agreement and apply the two-state solution. They also discussed the situation in Sudan, agreeing to enhance coordination. The Benelux prime ministers affirmed that Egypt is a key partner and a pillar of regional stability. DENMARK Al-Sisi welcomed Queen Mary of Denmark, who conveyed greetings from the Danish King. They discussed enhancing bilateral relations, which were elevated to a strategic partnership during Al-Sisi's state visit to Denmark in December 2024. The Queen, whose country currently holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, expressed her appreciation for Egypt's leadership role in reaching the Gaza agreement and its initiative to hold a reconstruction conference in November. They also discussed the situation in Sudan, stressing the need to intensify efforts to stop the war.
