Egypt aims to enhance cooperation with EU in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy
CAIRO – 22 May 2025: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, Badr Abdel-Atti, held a series of meetings with key European Commissioners in Brussels on Thursday, May 22nd, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing pressing regional issues.
Meeting with European Commissioner for Health, Oliver Varhelyi:
Abdel-Atti emphasized Egypt's commitment to deepening cooperation with the European Union across various sectors outlined in the Joint Declaration for upgrading relations to a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership. He expressed Egypt's desire for increased access for Egyptian products, particularly agricultural goods, to European markets. He also called for a review of quotas for Egyptian agricultural products under the Egypt-EU Association Agreement to boost bilateral trade.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister highlighted Egypt's interest in technical assistance for agricultural and food products and leveraging European expertise in health and pharmaceuticals. He proposed joint initiatives to strengthen drug supply chains, technology transfer, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing partnerships in Egypt.
He also suggested technical cooperation programs to expand Egyptian pharmaceutical exports to Europe and enhance their competitiveness.
Meeting with European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen:
DAbdel-Atti welcomed the enhanced relationship with the EU within the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership framework, emphasizing cooperation in six key areas, particularly renewable energy and climate change. He highlighted Egypt's central role in promoting clean and renewable energy in the Middle East and implementing Egypt's Vision 2030 for sustainable development and green transition.
The Foreign Minister detailed Egypt's efforts in renewable energy, climate, and green transition, including the launch of a national hydrogen strategy. He noted Egypt's pursuit of foreign investment in renewable energy from European partners, including Norwegian, Danish, Greek, Belgian, and Italian companies.
Abdel-Atti stressed Egypt's commitment to balancing economic growth with green transition, emphasizing the importance of strengthened Egypt-EU cooperation in this area.
Meeting with European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič:
Discussions centered on the recent developments in the Gaza Strip. Dr. Abdel-Atti stressed Egypt's priority for an immediate ceasefire and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid amidst the catastrophic humanitarian situation caused by Israeli obstruction and the complete aid blockade since March.
He emphasized the crucial role of UNRWA and other humanitarian organizations in providing aid, shelter, and medical assistance to Palestinians in Gaza, reiterating Egypt's complete rejection of Israeli policies using starvation and collective punishment as weapons against the Palestinian people.
The Foreign Minister outlined Egypt's efforts to host an international conference for early recovery and reconstruction in the near future and expressed Egypt's desire for continued coordination with the EU and international donors to play a pivotal role in the conference.
The two sides also exchanged views on the humanitarian situation in Sudan, with Dr. Abdel-Atti underscoring the importance of intensified humanitarian support for Sudan.
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