Brussels, January 23, 2024 |The European Union and Egypt convened for the tenth Association Council meeting in Brussels on January 23, 2024, commemorating the 20th anniversary since the Association Agreement’s entry into force in 2004. The event, co-chaired by Josep Borrell, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, emphasized the enduring and multifaceted partnership between the two entities.
Key Highlights:
Joint Partnership Priorities: Both parties reviewed the progress made on the joint Partnership Priorities adopted in June 2022, reaffirming their commitment to promoting joint interests. The EU and Egypt expressed their intent to elevate their relationship to the level of a Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership.
Regional Stability: The EU and Egypt pledged to continue working together to foster stability, peace, and security in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Africa. The commitment to a two-state solution for the Middle East conflict, in accordance with international law and UN Security Council resolutions, was reiterated.
Humanitarian Concerns: Expressing shared concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, both parties urged maximum restraint and emphasized the immediate, sustainable, and unconditional delivery of humanitarian aid. The EU and Egypt condemned settler violence in the West Bank and highlighted the importance of a just, lasting, and comprehensive resolution through a two-state solution.
International Principles: The EU and Egypt underlined their commitment to international law, territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. They condemned violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of human rights in conflict areas.
Water Security: Recognizing Egypt’s reliance on the Nile River, the EU reiterated its support for Egypt’s water security and compliance with international law. The principles of the European Green Deal, with a focus on the ‘do no harm’ principle, were highlighted.
Climate Change: Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to work together on climate change mitigation, carbon market, loss and damage, just transition, and adaptation. Areas of collaboration include sustainable agriculture, industry, renewable energy, and sustainable finance.
Economic Cooperation: The EU and Egypt committed to enhancing bilateral trade relations, fostering investments, and supporting the development of the private sector, particularly Micro-, Small-, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The International Investment Conference in Egypt in May 2024 was emphasized as a platform to deepen business exchanges.
Research and Innovation: The signing of the Framework Protocol Agreement was announced, paving the way for Egypt’s participation in EU programs, fostering research and innovation in sectors such as energy, water, agro-food, health, and digital technologies.
Counter-Terrorism: Co-chairing the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF), the EU and Egypt affirmed their commitment to addressing root causes of terrorism with full respect for human rights. Increased cooperation to tackle organized crime was called for.
Migration Governance: Both parties advocated for a comprehensive approach to migration governance, creating regular migration pathways, tackling root causes of irregular migration, combating smuggling and trafficking, ensuring dignified returns, and protecting the rights of migrants and refugees.
The EU and Egypt concluded the joint press statement by expressing their commitment to advancing their cooperation across various domains for mutual benefit and shared objectives.
