This agreement serves as the main framework that governs the relationship between the two parties and acts as a reference for bilateral cooperation in various fields such as politics, economics, trade, culture, and more CAIRO: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry is leading the Egyptian delegation at the 10th EU-Egypt Association Council meeting in Brussels. The meeting on Tuesday will be led by Shoukry and Josep Borrell, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Several other foreign ministers from the bloc will also participate in the meeting. The 10th council meeting this year is of great significance as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the association agreement between Egypt and the EU that came into effect in 2004. This agreement serves as the main framework that governs the relationship between the two parties and acts as a reference for bilateral cooperation in various fields such as politics, economics, trade, culture, and more. The council meeting will witness the signing of a framework agreement enabling Egypt to benefit from more EU technical programs, especially in education and scientific research. During Shoukry’s visit, he will attend a working breakfast with the EU foreign ministers. The agenda of the meeting will focus on discussing ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and follow up on the implementation of joint programs and projects between Egypt and the EU. It also includes consultation and exchange of visions on the current regional crises, most notably the war in the Gaza Strip, the situation in Sudan, Somalia, Libya, and the security of the Red Sea. Shoukry is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers of EU countries and European commissioners concerned with policies such as the economy, energy, migration, climate, humanitarian affairs, and crisis management. He will also meet with the president of the European Parliament and the NATO secretary-general. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid said Shoukry will join a meeting of Borrel and EU foreign ministers with the foreign ministers of Jordan and Saudi Arabia, as well as the secretary-general of the Arab League. The meeting will discuss developments in the Gaza crisis and the future of the Palestinian state. Additionally, efforts to contain escalation in the Middle East region will be addressed. According to the statement published on the Council of the European Union website, the EU attaches “great importance to its relationship with Egypt as a key partner and regional player and underlines the strategic nature of the partnership.” The statement said both parties plan to discuss their cooperation within the framework of the Egypt-EU partnership priorities 2021-2027, which were agreed upon during the EU-Egypt Association Council on June 19, 2022. The EU and Egypt will discuss initiatives to strengthen EU-Egypt relations, support Egypt’s socio-economic development, and address regional crises to achieve shared stability and security.