On June 18, leaders of the European Union (EU) and the Arab League (AL) met in Cairo to promote cooperation towards resolving security challenges present in the region and the world.
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| Meeting of EU leaders Josep Borrell (left) and AL Ahmed Aboul-Gheit in Cairo. (Source: Ahram Online) |
Mr. Borrell's statement was made at a press conference after talks with AL Secretary General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit on the same day in Cairo (Egypt). Before that, the two leaders discussed 'hot' regional and international issues, including the Middle East peace process, the situation in Sudan and the Russia-Ukraine issue.
The EU and AL have a traditional cooperative relationship in a variety of areas, from counter-terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation, human rights , to the Middle East peace process. In parallel, there are ministerial meetings to strengthen the partnership.
Regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the two blocs agreed to establish a set of rules to build a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, in accordance with resolutions on international legitimacy, to ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the basis of the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Regarding the situation in Sudan, Mr. Borrell welcomed the new 72-hour ceasefire agreement starting on June 18 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), as well as the resumption of negotiations in the Saudi city of Jeddah.
Referring to the Russia-Ukraine issue, EU officials said that not only Kiev suffered serious damage, but also the Middle Eastern countries were negatively affected in terms of food security. Currently, the EU is pioneering common solutions to solve food and security issues, aiming to export 30 million tons of grain from Ukraine.
The two sides also discussed possible approaches to tackle the root cause of illegal immigration in the Mediterranean and agreed to promote institutional cooperation between the AL and the EU.
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