Von der Leyen held talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The meeting naturally focused on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. « I thanked Egypt for its key role in providing humanitarian assistance and relief to vulnerable Palestinians. We agree on the principle that Palestinians should not be forcibly displaced. We must think about the aftermath, about how Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace. A political solution is needed, and this is only possible within the framework of a two-state solution, » – Von der Leyen wrote on X. She then handed over EU aid to the Egyptian Red Crescent. « We have quadrupled humanitarian aid in the last month, with 15 flights today.
« Aid to Gaza must be increased. We are in contact with the Cypriot authorities about a maritime humanitarian corridor, » he said. « All this has been made possible by great cooperation with the Egyptian authorities and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), » he continued, indicating that medical supplies, such as ventilators, have been delivered to Egypt to treat wounded civilians in Gaza. « We are the biggest donor to the Palestinian people and to UNRWA », said the President of the European Commission.
During the meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the parties also discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations. « We are working together on a strategic and global partnership that is mutually beneficial for both sides. The strategic partnership builds on the decades-long relationship between the EU and Egypt and takes forward the partnership priorities agreed last year, » said Von der Leyen.
The President of the European Commission underlined that the EU sees Egypt as a key player in stopping migration flows to Europe, as the country is home to some 9 million refugees. Migrants in Egypt often cross the border into Libya, a key point of departure for Europe.
« There are almost zero migrants arriving directly from Egypt to the European Union – but the situation in Libya means that Egyptians are passing through Libya, » he said.
For his part, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi also reiterated the need for « an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to protect civilians who are suffering tremendously.
« The international community must assume its responsibility and implement the Security Council and UN General Assembly resolutions on Gaza », he said, adding that the Egyptian government « categorically rejects the internal and external displacement of Palestinians, especially in the Egyptian territory of Sinai ».
The European Commission is pursuing its agreement with Egypt, despite the fact that the economic agreement signed with Tunisia has not delivered the expected results. Von der Leyen said that « we will speed up work » to fully implement all elements of the Tunisian agreement.
