EU support for Egypt’s economic development

– Today’s meeting with President El-Sisi testifies to the positive dynamics in the relations of the Visegrad Group countries with Egypt – said the Prime Minister after the meeting of the leaders of the V4 countries and the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, which took place in Budapest. As he added, it is a crucial step for the stability of the entire EU. He also pointed out that Poland recognises the special role that Egypt plays in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The Polish government supports the ongoing stimulation of dialogue between the EU and Egypt under the Association Agreement. The Prime Minister also highly appreciates Egypt’s efforts to develop relations with the EU and implement the priorities of the partnership.

Poland and other V4 countries view Egypt as a country that can play an essential role in solving problems in the Middle East. It also remains a leading partner for Poland among the Arab countries both politically and economically. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki mentioned cooperation in the Suez region – Egypt is a forward-looking country, which is why Poland has had a special economic zone in the Suez region for several months formed by our special economic zone in Katowice.

Migration and counter-terrorism challenges

The talks also dealt with challenges concerning migration policy and countering terrorism. – Poland is committed to ensuring peace and conditions for development in the Middle East – the Prime Minister said. The head of government also emphasised the role of conflicts in the emergence of successive waves of unregulated migration, threatening the stability of the EU Member States and the Visegrad Group.

– External migration, which is pressing on the eastern and southern borders of the EU, is a huge problem. We heard about the 6 million migrants and refugees who stayed in Egypt. This should be acknowledged – concluded the Prime Minister, thanking the Egyptian President for securing his borders for the past five years.

It is in our common interest to stabilise the situation in the Middle East, reduce tensions in the region, and, most importantly, put an end to armed conflicts as soon as possible. Poland, therefore, encourages the resumption of direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis. At the same time, we stress the importance for both sides to refrain from any unilateral actions. We also appreciate Egypt’s significant role in diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including those aimed at deescalating the recent tensions.