Egypt, EU explore sustainable fisheries cooperation

Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk met with European Union Commissioner for Fisheries Costas Kadis on the sidelines of the United Nations Ocean Conference on Thursday to explore closer cooperation on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and marine environmental protection.

According to a statement from the Egyptian Cabinet, the talks focused on joint efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, promote environmentally sustainable practices, and develop modern aquaculture technologies.

Minister Farouk underscored Egypt’s strategic location on both the Mediterranean and Red Seas, positioning it as a key player in regional and global marine ecosystems. He outlined national efforts to boost fish production and ensure food security while preserving marine resources, and extended an invitation to Kadis to visit Egypt and observe progress in the sector.

Kadis welcomed Egypt’s active participation in the conference and its role in advancing marine conservation and food security across the region. He expressed the EU’s willingness to provide technical support and facilitate knowledge exchange.

The EU official also invited Minister Farouk to attend a ministerial meeting to review the 2017 Malta Declaration, highlighting Egypt’s influence within the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM).

Both sides discussed launching joint initiatives addressing sustainable fisheries management, marine pollution, climate change impacts, and overfishing.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser