Latest news with #Egypt-EU
Middle East
23-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// Bulgarian FM praises Egypt's strategic ties with EU and strong role in regional stability
CAIRO, May 23 (MENA) - Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev lauded Egypt's enduring role as a cornerstone of regional stability, citing its balanced diplomacy, wise crisis management, and pivotal contributions amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. In an exclusive interview with the Middle East News Agency (MENA) before departing Cairo, Georgiev commended Egypt's relentless efforts toward achieving peace, its mediation to de-escalate tensions, prevent regional spillover, secure a Gaza ceasefire—in coordination with Qatar and the United States—and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Also, he expressed gratitude for Egypt's role in securing the release of hostages, including Bulgarian nationals held in Gaza and Yemen. Georgiev emphasized Egypt's importance not only to Bulgaria but to the European Union, highlighting the upgrade of Egypt-EU ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024 and the launch of a Joint Cooperation Committee in February. These developments, he said, marked the beginning of an enhanced cooperation roadmap spanning defense, trade, innovation, and connectivity. He commended the consistent communication and positive relations between the Egyptian and Bulgarian presidents, noting that they lay a solid foundation for President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's anticipated visit to Sofia. He noted his two recent conversations with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty and pointed out that his current visit to Egypt is further testament to the importance both countries place on maintaining a close and constructive political dialogue. As an EU member, Bulgaria actively supports the bloc's foreign policy tools and seeks to deepen cooperation with Egypt across key sectors—energy, security, migration, food security, and research and development, Georgiev said. He described Egypt as a vital partner in shaping a strategic EU-Arab vision for the region. Regarding EU financial support for Egypt, Georgiev noted that the €4 billion in assistance is part of a broader package under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, totaling €7.4 billion. This includes a short-term €1 billion macro-financial assistance—already disbursed—and a longer-term €4 billion assistance program. He clarified that the initiative aims to support macroeconomic stability in Egypt while backing a domestic reform agenda in coordination with the ongoing IMF program. The €4 billion in concessional loans is expected to be disbursed in three tranches, each contingent on satisfactory progress in IMF-backed reforms. Georgiev expressed full confidence in the outcome of this joint institutional process and looked forward to the successful disbursement of the financial aid. On bilateral trade, Georgiev confirmed Bulgaria's interest in exploring new opportunities and expanding existing partnerships. He reported that bilateral trade reached a record $1.81 billion last year—an increase of approximately 41% over the previous year—including $378 million in Egyptian exports to Sofia. He voiced optimism about the growing presence of Bulgarian IT and outsourcing companies in Egypt and the rising interest in investment and production in sectors such as food manufacturing, agriculture, and textiles. He noted that Bulgaria has solidified its position as the fourth-largest exporter of high-quality wheat to Egypt, with a nearly 60% increase in exports—from 285,000 tons to nearly 452,000 tons—valued at over $110 million. According to him, Bulgaria is also actively participating in the 'Solidarity Lanes' initiative to facilitate grain exports through alternative routes. In coordination with Romania and Turkey, Bulgaria supports efforts to clear mines, secure Black Sea corridors, and ensure vital food supplies reach Africa, including Egypt, at fair prices. Georgiev reaffirmed Bulgaria's solidarity with Gaza, citing a €200,000 donation through the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization. He said that during the Cairo Ministerial Conference on Humanitarian Response in Gaza, Bulgaria announced its readiness to provide further assistance, including voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization and other humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza in 2025. The Bulgarian minister affirmed support for the Arab plan to reconstruct Gaza and expressed sincere hope for its successful implementation. He reiterated Bulgaria's full commitment to backing all international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace, security and stability in the region. (MENA) R E E/
See - Sada Elbalad
22-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's FM Meets EU Commissioner to Deepen Strategic Energy Partnership
Ahmed Emam Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, Badr Abdelatty, met on Thursday with Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, during his official visit to Brussels. The meeting focused on advancing the strategic and comprehensive partnership between Egypt and the EU, with particular emphasis on cooperation in renewable energy and climate change. Minister Abdelatty welcomed the strengthening of ties with the EU, highlighting Egypt's central role in promoting clean and renewable energy in the Middle East. He underscored that energy and climate are two pillars of the six main areas of cooperation agreed upon under the Egypt-EU partnership framework. During the talks, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's efforts in the fields of renewable energy, climate action, and green transition. He pointed to the recent launch of Egypt's ambitious national hydrogen strategy, aimed at positioning the country as a regional hub for green energy. He also emphasized Egypt's commitment to attracting foreign investment in renewable energy, especially from European partners, including companies from Norway, Denmark, Greece, Belgium, and Italy. The minister stressed Egypt's approach to balancing economic growth with its green transformation agenda, in line with the national Vision 2030 strategy for sustainable development. He called for enhanced collaboration with the European Union to support this transition and advance mutual goals in energy security and climate resilience. The meeting comes as part of broader efforts to align Egypt's green economy ambitions with EU priorities and deepen bilateral cooperation in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Al-Ahram Weekly
22-05-2025
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt, EU launch Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 in Cairo - Economy
The European Union (EU) delegation to Egypt, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, held the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2025 launch event in Cairo on Wednesday. The event marked a key milestone in strengthening Egypt-EU cooperation in research and innovation. Over 150 participants attended the launch, including Egyptian academics, researchers, innovators, and officials from the Ministries of Higher Education and Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, head of the EU delegation to Egypt, and Mohamed Ayman Ashour, minister of higher education and scientific research, inaugurated the event. The day aimed to raise awareness about new opportunities for Egyptian entities under Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research and innovation programme with a 95.5 billion euro budget for 2021–2027. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration, funding access, and Egypt's growing role in the European research and innovation ecosystem. The event follows the initialling of the Horizon Europe Association Agreement between Egypt and the EU on 10 April, paving the way for Egypt's formal association. While the agreement is expected to be signed by November 2025, transitional arrangements are already in place. As of 10 April, Egyptian institutions are eligible to participate in Horizon Europe calls under the 2025 budget and enjoy the same rights as entities from associated countries. 'This year marks two decades of EU-Egypt science and technology cooperation,' said Ambassador Eichhorst. 'Egypt's association with Horizon Europe will usher in a new era, offering not just funding, but also a voice in shaping research priorities, leading international consortia, and opening doors for youth, researchers, and entrepreneurs to innovate and collaborate globally,' she added. Minister Ashour echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to advance Egypt's scientific and technological capabilities. He noted that the partnership with Horizon Europe will help integrate Egypt's research landscape with global networks, fostering knowledge exchange and innovation-led growth. Horizon Europe represents the EU's highest level of international scientific collaboration, offering non-EU countries full participation in research activities. Through this association, Egyptian researchers and institutions will gain access to cutting-edge European research infrastructures and cross-border scientific partnerships spanning academia, industry, and civil society. The association is expected to deepen scientific ties between Egypt and the EU, support Egypt's national innovation agenda, and contribute to regional and global research initiatives. On Wednesday, the two sides concluded the negotiations to extend the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), a strategic programme focused on sustainable water and food systems. Egypt and the EU signed the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership in Cairo in March. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
20-05-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt's Amb. to EU Stresses Importance of Strategic Co-op, Regional Peace
Nada Mustafa Ahmed Abu Zeid, Egypt's Ambassador to Belgium, the European Union (EU), NATO, and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, met with members of the European Parliament's Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq Countries. The session was dedicated to reviewing Egypt-EU relations and listening to Egypt's perspective on the situation in the Middle East. The session began with a keynote address by Ambassador Abu Zeid, who outlined the current momentum in Egypt-EU relations following the recent upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He highlighted ongoing efforts to activate this partnership across its six pillars, emphasizing the importance of mutual benefit for the peoples on both sides of the Mediterranean. Moreover, the Egyptian ambassador stressed Egypt's commitment to strengthening economic and investment ties with the European Union (EU), building on the outcomes of last year's Investment Conference and the positive steps Egypt has taken in its economic reform journey. He pointed to the promising investment opportunities in the Egyptian market as a foundation for further cooperation. Regarding regional issues, Abu Zeid addressed the key challenges facing the Middle East, notably the Palestinian cause and crises in Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and the Red Sea region. He also underscored Egypt's ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in both the Middle East and Africa, and the need for continued dialogue and coordination between Egypt and EU on these shared challenges. Furthermore, he also highlighted Egypt's interest in strengthening parliamentary cooperation, praising recent high-level exchange visits that have reflected mutual commitment to fostering stronger ties between the peoples of both regions. In addition, Abu Zeid welcomed the upcoming visit of the EU Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq to Egypt later this month, describing it as a valuable opportunity to witness Egypt's reform and development efforts firsthand and to better understand its perspectives on regional developments and its role in promoting stability. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
Daily News Egypt
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt celebrates Europe Day, reaffirms strategic partnership with EU
Egypt commemorated the 75th anniversary of the European Union on Sunday with a high-level ceremony in Cairo, underscoring the strength of its strategic partnership with the EU and a shared commitment to regional peace, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation. Representing Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar described the European Union as a 'key ally in Egypt's development journey and in achieving the goals of Egypt's Vision 2030.' Speaking during the Europe Day celebrations, attended by several ministers, governors, and foreign ambassadors, Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the significance of the occasion as a symbol of enduring values. 'Europe Day embodies the core principles of the European Union—peace, unity, and solidarity,' he said. 'This event also reflects the deep and evolving relationship between Egypt and the EU, built on shared aspirations and mutual respect.' Abdel Ghaffar paid tribute to Robert Schuman, whose historic 1950 declaration laid the foundation for European integration, noting its continued relevance in fostering cooperation beyond Europe's borders. 'This celebration is not just about Europe,' he said, 'but also about the partnerships Europe nurtures with its neighbors—particularly Egypt.' He highlighted the evolution of Egypt-EU relations into a comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly following the signing of the Joint Declaration in 2023. This cooperation, he said, now spans diplomacy, trade, energy, and sustainable development. The minister also pointed to milestones such as increased high-level political dialogue, stronger economic ties, and collaborative initiatives like the 2024 Egypt-EU Investment Conference, which he described as 'a landmark event reflecting deepening trust and a shared vision for prosperity.' In addition to economic cooperation, Abdel Ghaffar noted joint humanitarian responses to regional crises in Gaza and Sudan, including the provision of cross-border aid and medical support to displaced communities. He emphasized the EU's vital role in supporting Egypt's transition toward a green economy, innovation-driven growth, and social inclusion. 'Egypt remains committed to strengthening this strategic partnership,' he said, 'to build a future rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and shared values that respond to the hopes of our people and the challenges of our time.' Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt, also addressed the gathering, praising the long-standing and dynamic relationship between the two sides. 'Egypt holds a unique and special place among the EU's partner countries,' Eichhorst said. 'This celebration is not only about honoring our shared history—it's about the vibrant partnership we are building today, one that is focused on dignity, peace, prosperity, and a better future for all.' She reiterated the EU's commitment to deepening cooperation with Egypt across a range of sectors, reinforcing the partnership as a cornerstone of stability and growth in the Mediterranean region.
