CAIRO: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares.
This came during Shoukry’s visit to Brussels, leading his country’s delegation at the 10th EU-Egypt Association Council meeting.
The two parties discussed in detail the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, the importance of an immediate ceasefire, and the moves to fully implement the UN Security Council Resolution 2720 regarding facilitating, coordinating, and monitoring the process of bringing humanitarian aid into the enclave.
Shoukry highlighted Spain’s historic role in supporting the Palestinian cause within the corridors of the EU, noting the responsibility of the bloc and internationally active countries to intervene to put an end to Israeli human rights violations against Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Shoukry stressed that an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip would only be achieved through international pressure on Israel.
Albares praised the Egyptian efforts to find a solution to the crisis in Gaza, bring in humanitarian aid, and work to prevent the expansion of the conflict.
Shoukry and Albares also discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Egypt and Spain at the bilateral level and within the partnership framework between Egypt and the EU.
Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said that the two ministers expressed their enthusiasm to confirm their mutual desire to enhance various forms of cooperation and strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries.
They agreed on approaches to tackle existing regional and international challenges, showing consensus.
The two ministers agreed to continue consultation to coordinate moves to stop the war in Gaza, limit humanitarian repercussions for the Palestinian people, and revive the peace process on serious foundations that guarantee the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
During his visit to Brussels, Shoukry held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of EU countries and European commissioners concerned with policies such as the economy, energy, migration, climate, humanitarian affairs, and crisis management.
Shoukry held a bilateral meeting with Mariya Gabriel, deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs of Bulgaria, on the sidelines of the EU-Egypt Association Council meeting.
The two ministers discussed enhancing economic cooperation opportunities and increasing trade exchange between the two countries, especially in the sectors of industry, energy, and agriculture, as well as working to attract investments and benefit from joint manufacturing opportunities between the two countries in various fields.
