CAIRO, March 4 (MENA) – President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and European Council President António Costa called for the immediate and unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

They warned that any obstacles would deepen the crisis and cautioned against renewed violence, which would threaten regional stability.

Their meeting took place in the New Administrative Capital on the sidelines of the extraordinary Arab Summit.

Presidential Spokesman Mohamed el Shennawy said the two leaders reaffirmed the strong Egypt-EU relationship and discussed ways to expand economic and investment cooperation.

For his part, Costa praised Egypt’s efforts in preventing migrant boats from leaving its shores since 2016 while hosting over nine million foreigners affected by regional conflicts. He stressed the need for international support to help Egypt manage these challenges.

Meanwhile, Sisi outlined Egypt’s efforts to enforce the Gaza ceasefire. Costa acknowledged Egypt’s role and reaffirmed the EU’s support for a full implementation of the agreement.

During the talks, the two leaders condemned Israeli actions in the West Bank and rejected any attempts to displace Palestinians.

They agreed on the urgent need to start Gaza’s reconstruction while ensuring that its residents remain on their land.

Costa welcomed the Arab Summit’s adoption of Egypt’s reconstruction plan. Both leaders stressed that a Palestinian state, based on international resolutions, is essential for lasting peace.

Discussions also tackled the situation in Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia, where the duo agreed that resolving these crises through peaceful means is crucial to preserving regional stability. (MENA)

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