Since we signed the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership last year we have deepened our relationship and there is a lot to build on. You already pointed out different areas, spanning political relations, trade, migration, security and education. We greatly appreciate Egypt’s vital efforts in promoting stability across the region at a time when there are so many dangerous security developments going on.

Today, particularly we discussed the situation in Gaza. Egypt has played a key role amid the ceasefire negotiations and we are very grateful for that. We strongly oppose Israel’s resumption of hostilities, which caused an appalling loss of life in Gaza. The killing must stop. In a new war, both sides lose. That is very clear. From the European side, it is very clear that Hamas must release all hostages. Israel must fully reinstate humanitarian aid into Gaza. Negotiations must resume.

While it is difficult to speak of rebuilding of Gaza while bombs are flying, we also discussed the Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction. The plan offers a solid blueprint for rebuilding, and, again, I thank Egypt for the crucial role you have played in hosting the talks. The European Union is ready to assist and is preparing a financial package to support also Gaza’s reconstruction. But it is clear that more clarity is needed on issues such as cost-sharing, security arrangements, and the future governance of Gaza. We will be discussing these issues with the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee later today. What I want to stress is that the EU’s commitment to the two-state solution is the only path to a real lasting and sustainable peace. The EU is committed to the two state solution, so we are supporting that path.

We also discussed Syria. The recent violence has shown that hope is hanging by a thread in Syria and we need to do everything to have stability in the region. Syrians have a small window of opportunity to shape their own destiny and this process has to be Syrian-led and Syrian-owned. And we will have to help them seize to size this opportunity window. Last week, in Brussels we hosted the Syria Conference, pledging 5.8 billion euros for Syria’s recovery. But, of course, the lifting of sanctions is a step-for-step approach so we need to see the steps going in the right direction. This pledging will also support Syria at this crucial time of transition and help address the dire needs on the ground.