Sisi, von der Leyen discuss Egypt-EU ties, regional issues at G7 Summit

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed strengthening economic cooperation and regional developments during a meeting on Tuesday in Évian-les-Bains on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

Sisi said relations between Egypt and the European Union had gained momentum since their elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, highlighting ongoing efforts to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Egypt-EU Investment Conference and economic reforms aimed at improving competitiveness, resilience, and the investment climate to attract more European business activity.

Von der Leyen welcomed the progress in cooperation across various sectors, praising Egypt’s economic reforms and efforts to combat terrorism and illegal migration, and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working closely with Egypt to address shared challenges and strengthen cooperation across the Mediterranean.

The two sides also discussed regional developments, with Sisi stressing the need for political solutions to regional crises, supporting efforts to prevent renewed escalation between the United States and Iran, and reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to working with the EU to implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement. He also reviewed Egypt’s support for stability in Lebanon and efforts to help resolve the conflict in Sudan.

Von der Leyen praised Egypt’s role in addressing regional crises and highlighted the convergence of Egyptian and European positions on key regional issues.