On 14 July, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas met with Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, to discuss the EU-Egypt strategic partnership and the latest developments in Gaza, Libya, and Sudan.The two parties praised the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, presenting Egypt’s vision for enhancing cooperation in the region within the framework of the New Pact for the Mediterranean. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also thanked the High Representative for her support in connection with the European Parliament and Council’s approval of the second tranche of the €4 billion overall financial support package to Egypt. Furthermore, Minister Abdelatty reviewed Egypt’s efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the ongoing contacts to resolve outstanding issues in the negotiations. He also emphasized the need for humanitarian and relief aid to reach the Gaza Strip and for Israel to assume its responsibilities as the occupying power.

Minister Abdelatty also emphasized Egypt’s position rejecting the displacement of Palestinians from their land and Egypt’s intention, immediately upon the announcement of the ceasefire, to host an international conference for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, expressing hope for broad European participation in the conference. The Foreign Minister stressed the importance of respecting Libya’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and distancing it from foreign interference. He also stressed the need for concerted international efforts to implement relevant UN resolutions regarding the withdrawal of all foreign forces, mercenaries and foreign fighters from Libya, thus contributing to the restoration of security and stability. He stressed the importance of unifying the Libyan executive authority on a legitimate and consensual basis, in a way that is acceptable to the Libyan people.