In an interview with Rose Al-Youssef Magazine Thursday, the EU official highlighted historical and strategic ties binding the union and Egypt, saying that the volume of cooperation between the two sides stands at Euros 1,7 billion covering economic and social development sectors.

The EU is considered first investor in Egypt, Stano said, citing the union's commitment to fostering economic and social development in Egypt, as well as widening the scope of contribution in the various infrastructure domains including, transportation, energy, water and private sector development.

The union will continue its cooperation with the Egyptian government, companies and civil society institutions, with a view to luring more investments, said the official.

Answering a question on Turkey's backing of mercenaries in Libya, in violation of an arms embargo imposed on the country, the spokesman said such practices stirs up the conflict in the north African country.

The EU spokesman stressed the importance of supporting the United Nations efforts for backing stability in Libya. He also referred to the EU 's role to contain the situation and bring the conflict in the war-torn country to an end, along with achieving prosperity and progress in a way that would serve Libyan interests and welfare and run in line with Berlin agreement.

Asked about the Ethiopian intransigence concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the EU spokesman underscored the necessity of working out a practical and acceptable solution for the current dispute.