A “global strategic partnership” has been signed between the European Union and Egypt
A “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement was signed this Sunday March 17 between the EU and Egypt.
An agreement under which Cairo will receive 7.4 billion euros.
The President of the European Commission and the heads of government of Belgium, Austria, Italy, Greece and Cyprus participated in a mini-summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi today.
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi, this Sunday March 17, 2024 in Cairo.
Behind them, from left to right: the Italian Giorgia Meloni, the Belgian Alexander De Croo, the Cypriot Níkos Christodoulídis.
AFP - STAVROS IOANNIDES
By: RFI Follow
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With our correspondent in Cairo,
Alexandre Buccianti
Five billion euros in loans, 1.8 billion in investments, and 600 million in aid for joint projects and on the migration issue.
Illegal emigration to Europe is the main reason for this strategic partnership.
For the
European Union
, Egypt
is
a pole of stability in the southern Mediterranean, a region shaken by disorder and conflict.
The fight against illegal emigration was cited by all participants.
Since 2016, no migrant ship has left Egypt due to patrols by the Egyptian navy and the vigorous dismantling of smuggling networks.
Egypt also welcomes millions of refugees, nine according to President Sissi, who could have been tempted by Europe.
An economically stable Egypt is therefore, for Europeans, a guarantee against a flood of migrants.
The drama in
Gaza
and the Egyptian efforts to deliver humanitarian aid and conclude a ceasefire were welcomed by all
participants
.
Finally, the question of democracy and human rights was raised, but without emphasis.
Listen again to “Europe is trying to boost the Egyptian economy to avoid an increase in the flow of migrants”
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