Egypt played fundamental role in preventing illegal immigration, hosted more than 9.5M foreigners, President Sisi

CAIRO – 22 October 2025: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated on Wednesday in a joint press conference with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, following the first EU-Egypt Summit held in Brussels.

In the conference, President Sisi said the Egypt- EU summit is important as it is the first of its kind in the region. “The summit comes at a very important and complex time, reflecting the priority that both parties give to their partnership,” Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said.

He added that relations between Egypt and the European Union are not new, but rather we are bound by common interests and historical ties.

He explained that today’s meetings gave special importance to the need to advance economic and trade relations between Egypt and the EU, and focused on investing in human capital.

He noted that the European leaders were briefed on Egypt's intensive efforts, based on its role, to achieve a comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

“I affirm that Gaza ceasefire was a real achievement, but it is also a step in a long process aimed at preparing the conditions for resuming the path of just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state,” Sisi explained.

He also assured European leaders of Egypt's determination to continue its tireless efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Sudan and end the suffering of the Sudanese people.

Sisi noted that discussions also included the situation in Libya, as he emphasized the Egyptian position to achieve peace and stability in Libya, as it is a pillar of security for the entire Mediterranean region.

Sisi also affirmed that Egypt has been playing a fundamental role in preventing illegal immigration since September 2016, while hosting more than 9.5 million foreigners who came to Cairo from their countries due to crises, and they receive the same treatment and services that are provided to Egyptians.

Sisi addressed European people saying “we are united by many historical ties and common interests, and what we aspire to is a more stable and prosperous future for future generations.”

During the conference, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that relations between Egypt and the EU are growing stronger and more broad-based than ever before.

She added that the European Union supported Egypt's role at the Sharm el-Sheikh summit in concluding a ceasefire agreement and ending the war in Gaza.

Von der Leyen said that the EU is Egypt's largest trading partner. “Our investments last year amounted to €49 billion, which is a significant. In the energy sector, we support Egypt's ambition to become a regional powerhouse.”

She also noted that Egypt has shown tremendous generosity in its leadership in hosting millions of migrants and refugees. “It will receive €200 million over the next two years and has demonstrated remarkable efforts in combating smugglers and illegal immigrants” Von der Leyen added.

The European Council President said in his speech that the EU has steadily grow economic and trade relations with Egypt.”

“We have signed agreements with Egypt allowing it to participate with EU countries in the Horizon Europe program,” he said.

He appreciated the intensive efforts made by Egypt and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

He explained that all parties must work to ensure the achievement of the goals of the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit to promote peace in the region.

The European Council President also noted that Egypt plays a key role in stabilizing the Middle East. “We are ready to contribute to the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip,” He added.