Official launch of the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees – Egypt

Opening Remarks by

Ambassador Christian Berger

Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt

Cairo, September 30, 2024

Thank you to Assistant Minister Amr Aljowaily and United Nations Housing Coordinator Elena Panova for organizing the launch of this Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees, and to all colleagues from government agencies, the UN family and EU Member States for their presence.

This joint initiative by the Egyptian government and the United Nations illustrates this effectively we are stronger when we work togetherfor the benefit of people who need help and support in their daily lives. Migrants are often exposed to great risks and are victims of criminal gangs. People in need, their safety and well-being must be at the center of our collective attention.

Today I am pleased to announce the European Union’s contribution of €12.2 million to this innovative initiative. Indeed, we must work together to support Egypt’s continued efforts to address the unprecedented migration challenges that have put pressure on the country and its host communities due to regional political instability and global economic shocks.

The EU and Egypt enjoy long-standing and multi-faceted ties, characterized by mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation that continues to grow in content and ambition. As evidence of this rich cooperation and recognition of the strategic importance we attach to Egypt as a pillar of stability in these difficult times, we signed a Joint Declaration on a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership last March and just a few months ago successfully signed the EU conference held Investment Conference Egypt. We also signed the first MoU on macro-financial assistance.

The Joint Declaration rests on six pillars that will continue to guide our collaboration, along with our shared partnership priorities. One of the six pillars is of course migration and mobility, a sector where we collaborate positively and where both parties have high expectations. Following the Joint Declaration, our two Presidents tasked us to further operationalize our cooperation on migration, adopting a holistic approach to migration and mobility management. Commissioner Johansson’s recent visit has strengthened our joint efforts, in particular to tackle smuggling and trafficking in human beings.

Egypt’s successful efforts in managing its maritime borders, its generosity in hosting millions of migrants and refugees amid a challenging economic and geopolitical context, and its work on improving the migration and asylum system are highly commendable and highly recognized valued. We are fully aware of Egypt’s challenging regional geopolitical context and we highly appreciate Egypt’s mediation efforts on both Gaza and Sudan.

Egypt and the Egyptian people are not alone.

The war in Sudan has caused the world’s largest displacement crisis, with women and children particularly affected. Unfortunately, the conflict continues unabated and the needs are increasing. The EU will continue to support Egypt in this regard, with protection actions being a key element of our cooperation.

Today’s dialogue is timely. It is an important tool that allows us to better understand the pressing needs and priorities of the individuals and communities who will directly benefit from the activities of the Joint Platform. I look forward to hearing from the experts gathered on this panel today; the discussions will make it possible to identify both needs and challenges and ultimately aim to further improve our cooperation.