High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, met with Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, to discuss a range of issues in the context of the partnership between the European Union and Egypt.

They exchanged extensively on regional issues. Both parties expressed concern about the situation regarding the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and discussed the importance of the Nile waters for downstream countries, including Egypt. 

The High Representative stressed that efforts led by the African Union to solve the dispute have the support of the EU and need to be intensified to reach a solution agreeable to all parties. He also reiterated the EU’s regret of the announcement by Ethiopia of the second filling of the GERD without reaching a prior agreement with downstream partners on this issue.

HR/VP Borrell expressed appreciation for Egypt’s important role in the Middle East Peace Process, particularly in reaching a ceasefire ending recent hostilities and towards the joint objective of a two-state solution. He conveyed the message that the EU will work closely with Egypt and other international partners to restart the political process to bring lasting and sustainable solutions.

High Representative Borrell and Foreign Minister Shoukry emphasised the importance of EU-Egypt relations as well as their further development in the context of the New Agenda for the Mediterranean and its Economic and Investment Plan for the Southern Neighbourhood, to join forces in boosting our economies, supporting recovery and fighting climate change.

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