Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi Firmly Rejects Forced Displacement of Palestinians, Advocates for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza During EU Commission Chief’s Visit

Egypt, Cairo, [18, Nov, 2023]-In a significant diplomatic meeting, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s strong opposition to the displacement of Palestinians, including any forced migration to Sinai. The meeting, held with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, highlighted Egypt’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful resolution based on the two-state solution, aligned with international standards.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi during his meeting with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Ahmed Fahmy, the spokesperson for the Egyptian presidency, emphasized the discussion’s focus on the recent escalation of Israeli military actions in Palestinian territories. President el-Sisi asserted the urgency of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the protection of civilians, underscoring the immense humanitarian crisis faced by the inhabitants of the region. He called for the international community to fulfill its responsibilities, referencing specific United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions.

From her side, Von der Leyen appreciated Egypt’s pivotal role in the region and discussed the European Union’s assessment of the Gaza situation. The talks also ventured into enhancing Egypt-EU cooperation, acknowledging the strong ties between the two and agreeing to expand their relationship in various fields.

I discussed the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza with President @AlsisiOfficial

I thanked Egypt for its a key role in providing and facilitating humanitarian aid to vulnerable Palestinians.

We agree on the principle of no forced displacement of Palestinians and a political… pic.twitter.com/aZkVhrAKVl

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 18, 2023

Bloomberg reported that Von der Leyen’s visit to Cairo is part of the EU’s effort to support Egypt’s economic development and mitigate the ongoing crisis’s impact. This visit aligns with the EU’s strategic interest in Cairo and concerns over increasing refugee flows, including from African nations.

EU member states, including Germany and France, are reportedly backing these ongoing efforts. The proposed plan includes six priorities ranging from economy, investments, migration, to security. On the economic front, the EU is exploring options with member states to aid Egypt in managing its debt burden.

Future Economic and Investment Plans

The European Union is exploring options with member states to assist Egypt in managing its debt burden. An ambitious investment plan is proposed, aiming to mobilize around 9 billion euros (approx. 9.8 billion dollars) in digital, energy, agricultural, and transportation sectors. An investment forum is scheduled for the upcoming spring.