President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, is in Egypt for a two-day visit aimed at deepening the relationship between Egypt and the European Union (EU), with a focus on ongoing discussions about EU financial assistance and regional geopolitical issues.
Key Meetings and Discussions
During her visit, Metsola will meet with Hanafy El-Gebali, Speaker of the Egyptian House of Representatives, and Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek, Speaker of the Egyptian Senate, on Wednesday. These meetings are expected to cover a range of topics, including parliamentary relations and preparations for the upcoming EU-Egypt parliamentary session in Cairo. Discussions will also focus on the EU’s financial assistance to Egypt, currently under debate in the European Parliament, as well as issues related to migration and refugee flows.
On Thursday, Metsola will meet with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. The discussions are expected to center on the EU-Egypt strategic partnership, financial aid, human rights, and regional geopolitical concerns, including efforts to revive the Middle East peace process, the situation in Gaza, and the recent developments in Syria.
Geopolitical and Economic Focus
Metsola’s visit comes at a critical time, with rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly regarding Gaza and Syria. The EU’s role in supporting stability and peace in the region, as well as providing financial assistance to Egypt, will be central to the discussions. Additionally, migration and refugee issues, which have been a key topic in EU-Egypt relations, will continue to be addressed.
Strengthening EU-Egypt Cooperation
The visit marks an important step in enhancing EU-Egypt cooperation, especially in economic and development sectors. With Egypt facing economic challenges, the discussions will likely focus on financial support for the country’s growth, as well as strategies to address both economic development and regional security.
This visit highlights the EU’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Egypt, particularly in the context of broader geopolitical issues in the Middle East. It also underscores the EU’s continued focus on human rights and sustainable development in the region.
