The EU accounted for around 27% of Egypt’s foreign trade in 2024 and 32% of total foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in the country.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to deepening economic and investment ties with the European Union (EU), highlighting the bloc’s role as Egypt’s leading trade and investment partner during his speech at the closing ceremony of a major economic event in Brussels.
“I am pleased to be in Brussels today to participate in the closing of this important economic event, which marks a new milestone in the partnership between Egypt and the European Union, in parallel with our first-ever EU–Egypt Summit,” President El-Sisi said.
He extended his appreciation to all contributors and participants, emphasizing that discussions throughout the day underscored the importance and weight of the EU–Egypt economic partnership. The EU accounted for around 27% of Egypt’s foreign trade in 2024 and 32% of total foreign direct investment (FDI) stock in the country.
President El-Sisi noted that the sessions addressed key strategic themes, including the creation of a European investment corridor in Egypt as a gateway to African and Arab markets, Egypt’s integration into European supply chains, and the vital role of the private sector as a driver of growth, reaffirming the state’s commitment to supporting it.
“This event is not a standalone moment,” El-Sisi continued, “but the continuation of an upward trajectory that began in March 2024 with our joint decision to elevate relations between Egypt and the EU to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.”
That milestone, he said, followed the visit to Cairo by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Belgium, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, and Austria. The process was further advanced with von der Leyen’s participation in the first Egypt–EU Investment Conference in June 2024.
“These visits reflected a clear political will to build a balanced and ambitious relationship based on mutual interests,” El-Sisi added. “What we are witnessing today is a practical translation of that vision.”
In his remarks, the Egyptian President expressed deep appreciation for Ursula von der Leyen’s pivotal role in advancing the partnership, stressing Egypt’s reciprocal commitment to working diligently to strengthen this strategic relationship “on practical and sustainable foundations.”
“We stand today at the threshold of a new phase in Egypt–EU economic cooperation, one that requires broader vision and greater ambition amid the unprecedented developments in our region in recent years,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, El-Sisi stated: “Egypt today represents a real and tangible opportunity for the European business community, not merely a geographically close partner.”
