Egypt looks forward to enhance cooperation with IOM to alleviate burden of hosting 9 million refugees, migrants: FM

CAIRO – 25 May 2023: Egypt is keen on promoting cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) with a view to assuaging burdens on Egypt as a result of hosting nine million migrants, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has affirmed.

This comes along with receiving Sudanese citizens fleeing acts of violence, Shoukry said in a meeting with Director General of the International Organization for Migration Amy Pope.

He highlighted the necessity for rallying the international community's support to Egypt in this respect, Shoukry added 

Egypt also looks forward to enhancing partnership with IOM to ensure comprehensive management of immigration and enhance sustainable development, Shoukry said.

In this regard, the top Egyptian diplomat also stressed that Egypt has adopted a comprehensive strategy related to migration governance to address all aspects of the phenomenon.

Shoukry congratulated the IOM official on her new post, as she became the first woman to hold this position since the establishment of the organization in 1951.

The foreign minister voiced strong belief in Pope’s abilities in caring out her duties, especially within the current stage that is witnessing mounting regional and international challenges.

For her part, the IOM official underscored Egypt's pivotal role in addressing migration issues, voiding hope on strengthening cooperation with Egypt in the migration field.

She also praised Egypt's role in receiving a large number migrants and providing their basic needs, he said.