Readout of the telephone conversation between President Charles Michel and the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi

President Charles Michel and the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi exchanged over the telephone on 2 June on a number of regional issues as well as the EU-Egypt bilateral relations.

President al-Sisi and President Michel addressed the EU-Egypt cooperation based on the New Agenda for the Mediterranean. Both Presidents agreed to strengthen cooperation, enhance dialogue on a broad range of issues and resolve outstanding issues. President Michel underscored that the EU will continue to be a key partner to Egypt, in particular on investments.

President Michel and President al-Sisi discussed the latest developments in the region, in particular regarding the Middle-East Peace Process. President Michel thanked Egypt for its efforts to help de-escalate and reach a ceasefire putting an end to eleven days of violence. President Michel referred to the Council Conclusions adopted on 24-25 May in which the European Council welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated the EU’s commitment to the two-state solution. He conveyed the message that the EU will work closely with key international partners to restart the political process to bring lasting and sustainable solutions.

On Libya, both Presidents agreed on the shared interest for Egypt and the EU in a stable and united Libya. Both Presidents underlined the importance of supporting the Government of National Unity and UN efforts in making progress on the different political, security and economic tracks, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from the country.

On the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), President Michel stressed the need to reach an agreement and re-affirmed the centrality of the AU-led process and the close coordination between the EU and the US. They also exchanged on the troubling situation in the Horn of Africa.

The Presidents also discussed security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. President Michel stressed the EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and welcomed the current dialogue between Egypt and Turkey.