By Manal Abdel Fattah
The European-Egyptian Association Council will hold its tenth session in Brussels on January 23, 2024, as this meeting marks the twentieth anniversary since the entry into force of the Association Agreement in 2004. The meeting will begin at ten-thirty in the morning and will be chaired by the High Representative, Mr. Josep Borrell, and the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sameh Shoukry.
According to a statement issued by the European Union in Egypt, the European Union attaches great importance to its relations with Egypt as a primary partner and international party and emphasizes the nature of the strategic partnership. It is expected that the two parties will discuss, in the Association Council meeting, their cooperation within the framework of the Egyptian-European partnership priorities for the period. 2021-2027, which was agreed upon at the meeting of the European-Egyptian Association Council held on January 19, 2022.
The Partnership Council will focus on bilateral relations, including cooperation to enhance stability in Egypt and in the European Union, including human rights, security, combating terrorism and immigration, as well as cooperation in various economic and social fields, from investments to the environment and energy. The Partnership Council will also address matters related to foreign policy, including a number of regional crises.
The discussions will continue the commitment made at the last Association Council meeting to promote democracy, fundamental freedoms and human rights, address common challenges, promote common interests, ensure long-term stability and achieve sustainable development for both parties.
The European Union and Egypt will also discuss the initiatives being implemented within the framework of the Association Agreement and partnership priorities with a view to unleashing the full potential of European-Egyptian relations, accompanying Egypt’s development on the social and economic levels and reducing the impact of the current crises afflicting the region with the aim of achieving common stability and security.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the parties are also expected to sign a framework agreement regarding Egypt’s participation in European Union programs.
