The EU and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday dealing with several issues affecting both areas. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni was part of the EDU negotiating party.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed Sunday’s agreement with Egypt as a “milestone” in the relationship between the European Union and the North African nation.
“Today’s visit and the strong representation of European leaders reflects the force of our bilateral ties, and today marks a milestone,” she stated. The meeting with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, alongside Premier Giorgia Meloni of Italy and leaders from Belgium, Austria, Greece, and Cyprus.
“To reinforce this strategic partnership, the EU is tabling a significant financial and investment support package worth €7.4 billion over the next four years,” von der Leyen added.
“Today we launch our Strategic and Comprehensive partnership with Egypt. We will work together in six areas of mutual interest: Political relations, Economic stability, Investments & Trade, Migration, Security, and People and skills.”
Medical aid for Gaza
Premier Giorgia Meloni also announced a deal for medical aid to Gaza during the visit to Cairo. “I am proud to be able to announce that there is a memorandum with the Egyptian Ministry of Health to strengthen cooperation in the health sector,” she said.
This aid aims to assist civilians arriving from Gaza as part of Italy’s ongoing efforts since the beginning of the conflict.
Meloni dismisses PD’s cry of “shame”
Addressing criticism from opposition Democratic Party (PD) leader Elly Schlein regarding the EU’s policy of trading development aid for stopping migrants, Meloni emphasised Italy’s stance.
“I understand that for them it is shameful, but if I had wanted to put up the PD programme I would have run with the PD, instead I ran against the PD precisely because I do not agree with them,” she asserted.
“I think it is instead a very important signal that Europe has understood that if it wants to seriously tackle the migration issue it must work on the external dimension, that Africa plays in the current geopolitical context an absolutely strategic role of which we have not been adequately aware in the past.”
Meloni stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and presence in Africa to effectively address migration challenges.
