Sisi welcomes expanding Egyptian-EU development partnership

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi welcomed expanding Egyptian-EU development partnership in various domains.

At a joint press conference on Saturday with European Council President Donald Tusk who visits Egypt for first time, Sisi urged Europe to partner with Egypt in national projects and pump more investments into the Arab state.

Sisi said Egypt considers the EU as a key partner, underlining the deeply-rooted cooperation between Egypt and EU member states in various economic, cultural and social domains.

Sisi said Egypt seeks to cement ties with the EU.

He also welcomed EU overtures for consultation and coordination with regard to regional issues, noting that he discussed with Tusk the conditions in the Middle East, especially in Libya and Syria, as well as the refugees problem in Europe.

Sisi noted he agreed with Tusk on drumming up political efforts to settle the conflicts which buffeted the region over the past four years and have recently cast its shadow on Europe.

Sisi said he agreed with the European official to further cooperation to ditch the state of chaos and instability in the region.

Sisi said Tusk's visit coincides with Egypt's preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections which is the last step in the roadmap.

Sisi lauded Europe's interest in following up what is going on in Egypt.

Meanwhile, Sisi rued the recent crane collapse in Saudi Arabia which killed over 100 pilgrims.

Sisi also lambasted the unjustified Israeli escalations and daily violations of Al Aqsa Mosque.

He accused the Israeli government of failing to protect sanctities in line with the international law.

He cautioned of the absence of a Palestinian vision on establishing a Palestinian state with al Quds al Sharif as its capital under a two-state solution.

He also called on the Israeli government to halt daily violations of Al Aqsa Mosque and avoid further escalation.

He said protecting al Quds is a duty that should not be condoned.

Sisi said he is looking forward to proceeding with constructive dialogue with the EU for the best interest of both sides.