Cairo, Egypt – Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, in Brussels on Thursday. This was part of his visit to participate in the first Egypt-EU summit.
At the beginning of the meeting, Sisi expressed his appreciation for the positive and supportive role played by the European Parliament, particularly Ms. Metsola, in strengthening the partnership between Egypt and the European Union.
The Egyptian president stressed the importance of continuing cooperation and coordination between the two sides on various issues of common interest. He added the need to accelerate the implementation of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union. He also affirmed his keenness to strengthen the Egyptian-European parliamentary dialogue, as a bridge of communication between the peoples of both shores of the Mediterranean, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.
For her part, Metsola thanked Sisi for Egypt’s efforts in reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, stressing that this achievement would not have been possible without Egyptian mediation led by President Sisi.
During the meeting, Sisi reviewed Egypt’s efforts to consolidate security and stability in the Middle East, particularly the mediation that led to a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, as well as hosting the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit with high-level international participation. He emphasized the importance of consolidating the ceasefire, allowing sufficient humanitarian aid into the country, and providing medical care for the wounded and injured.
For her part, the President of the European Parliament affirmed the European Union’s support for the implementation of the two-state solution as a political solution to the Palestinian crisis. She praised Egypt’s pivotal role in the region, describing its policies as wise and balanced. She considered Egypt a fundamental pillar of stability in the Middle East and the southern Mediterranean.
The meeting also discussed the issue of illegal immigration. Egypt’s efforts, which have halted the departure of illegal immigration boats from Egypt’s coast since September 2016, were commended. The importance of strengthening European cooperation by providing job opportunities for skilled Egyptian workers was emphasized. This also includes facilitating study and training pathways in European countries, with a focus on achieving development and consolidating stability in the relevant countries.
The two sides agreed to enhance communication between the Egyptian Parliament, including its two chambers—the House of Representatives and the Senate—and the European Parliament on various issues of mutual interest.
President El-Sisi also expressed Egypt’s appreciation for the honorable position taken by the European Parliament in support of the Palestinian cause, including its call to stop the war and end the suffering of the people of the Gaza Strip. He stressed the need for integrated efforts between Egypt and European countries to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. In this context, the initiative to host the Gaza Reconstruction and Recovery Conference, scheduled for November 2025, was welcomed.
This meeting comes within the framework of strengthening Egyptian-European relations, working together on strategic regional issues, and achieving stability and development for the peoples of the Mediterranean.
