CAIRO, Jan 9 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty lauded the positive development in the Egyptian-EU ties since elevating them to the comprehensive strategic partnership level on March 17, 2024.

He made the remarks during a meeting on Thursday with EU Parliament Speaker Roberta Metsola.

The meeting tackled means of enhancing bilateral ties alongside a host of regional issues.

Abdelatty welcomed Metsola's visit, voicing hope that she would further partnership, especially promoting the Egyptian-EU parliamentary dialogue.

He underlined the importance of implementing the various axes of the strategic partnership, especially the economic one.

He voiced hope that the European parliament would swiftly endorse the second tranche of the European financing package to Egypt standing at about 4 billion euros.

The foreign minister welcomed the success of the Egypt-EU Investment Conference that was held in June 2024, referring to the promising opportunities of the Egyptian economy as well as Egypt's significant potentials to turn into a regional hub for industry, trade, renewable energy and services.

He noted that this will help handle the crisis of global supply chains.

Abdelatty lauded the Egyptian-EU cooperation in the field of combating terrorism, especially as Egypt and the EU co-chaired the Global Counterterrorism Forum.

The meeting also tackled the latest developments in the Middle East region.

Abdelatty accentuated that Egypt spared no effort to clinch a deal on ceasing fire in Gaza, releasing hostage and detainees and ensuring access of humanitarian aid into the enclave.

He underlined the importance of recognizing the Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem (Al Quds) as its capital.

Meanwhile, he highlighted the importance of pushing forward a comprehensive political process in Syria with the participation of all parties.

The talks also reviewed the situation in Lebanon and the importance of ending the presidential vacuum.

The foreign minister was keen to explain Egypt's stand on supporting the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the territories of Sudan and Somalia.

He also highlighted Egypt's stand on the water security issue. (MENA)
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