CAIRO, May 23 (MENA) - Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Egypt Angelina Eichhorst said Egypt under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has made enormous achievements that have strengthened its regional position and economic capabilities.

This has encouraged the EU to elevate its relations with Egypt to the level of a strategic partnership, Eichhorst said in an interview with the Egyptian Radio.

The elevation of EU-Egypt relations to a strategic partnership last year was not some sort of "political courtesy," but rather a well-deserved merit for Egypt, the EU ambassador said.

She noted that elevating relations between the EU and other countries rarely happens, and for Egypt, it reflects a deep appreciation for President Sisi, the government, and Egypt.

The partnership between Egypt and the European Union benefits everyone in all areas, she pointed out.

“We in the European Union appreciate the speed and efficiency of development taking place in Egypt's infrastructure, its pioneering role in the region, its protection of refugee rights, and its support for preventing illegal migration. We in the European Union also fully understand the current regional conditions and their impact on Egypt, and we equally recognize the importance of the Suez Canal and Egypt's importance to the entire world," Eichhorst said.

Meanwhile, the EU ambassador expressed her fascination with the Egyptian civilization and culture, saying that since arriving in Cairo to assume her post, she has visited the Egyptian Museum six times.

She noted that the Grand Egyptian Museum, which will be inaugurated early next July, is the largest archaeological museum in the world.

She emphasized that, due to her interest in human heritage, she visited all the world's museums before coming to Egypt last November and visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum. "It is the most important and largest museum I have ever seen," she said.

Regarding European cooperation with Egypt, Eichhorst noted that cooperation is extended and that she personally supports stimulating European investments in Egypt, which she said have reached €50 billion in recent investment agreements.

There is significant European support for Egypt in the fields of energy, renewable energy, water, and green hydrogen, she said.

She also pointed out to partnerships between both sides in areas of technological development, digital support, and education. (MENA)

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