CAIRO, July 1 (MENA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty expressed on Tuesday to strengthen economic, investment, and trade relations with the European Union (EU) in various sectors in light of the Egyptian government's keenness on attracting foreign investment.

The top diplomat made the remarks during a phone call with European Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuića. The contact comes within the framework of joint coordination and cooperation to boost relations between Egypt and the European Union.

Abdelatty praised the developments in relations between Egypt and the European Union as well as the efforts of both sides to implement the six axes of the comprehensive strategic partnership.

He welcomed the efforts made by the European Commissioner and her support for the European Parliament and Council's approval of the second tranche of the €4 billion overall financial support package provided to Egypt, which will contribute to supporting Egyptian efforts to confront multiple economic and development challenges amid regional and international turmoil.

The emigration issue was also discussed, with the foreign minister underlining the importance of linking emigration to development and addressing the root causes of illegal emigration.

He emphasized the need to strengthen partnerships in the field of regular emigration and support European investments in Egypt, which would contribute to the provision of job opportunities.

The call also addressed developments in the Gaza Strip, with Abdelatty stressing the need to resume the ceasefire in the Strip and facilitate the flow of humanitarian and medical aid in light of the severe deterioration of the humanitarian situation there.

He reviewed Egypt's tireless efforts in this regard, in cooperation with Qatar and the United States.

He also informed the European official of Egypt's intention to host, in cooperation with the Palestinian government and the United Nations, the International Conference for Early Recovery and Reconstruction in Gaza immediately after a ceasefire agreement is reached.

He also reviewed Egypt's contacts in this regard.

Abdelatty emphasized the important role of the European Union and its member states, highlighting the EU's position as the largest donor to the Palestinian National Authority. (MENA)
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