Official Launch of the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees
Opening Remarks by
Ambassador Christian Berger
Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt
Cairo, 30 September 2024
Thank you Assistant Minister Amr Aljowaily and United Nations Resident Coordinator Elena Panova, for hosting the launch of this Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees, and all the colleagues from government authorities, the UN family, and EU Member States for attending.
This joint initiative by the Government of Egypt and the United Nations effectively illustrates that we are stronger when working together, for the direct benefit of people of in need of relief and support in their daily lives. Migrants are often exposed to high risks and prey to criminal gangs. Human beings in need, their safety and wellbeing must be at the centre of our joint attention.
I am pleased to announce today the European Union contribution of EUR 12.2 million to this innovative initiative. We need indeed to work jointly, together, in support of Egypt's unwavering efforts to address the unprecedented migration challenges that have strained the country and the host communities, owing to regional political instability and global economic shocks.
The EU and Egypt have longstanding and multi-faceted ties, marked by mutually-beneficial bilateral cooperation that continue to grow in substance and ambition. As a testament to this rich cooperation and acknowledgment of the strategic importance we attach to Egypt as a pillar of stability in these trying times, last March, we signed a Joint Declaration on a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership and just a few months ago successfully held the EU-Egypt Investment Conference. We also signed the first MoU on Macro-financial Assistance.
EU
The Joint Declaration rests on six pillars that will continue to guide our cooperation along with our joint Partnership Priorities. One of the six pillars is of course migration and mobility, a sector where we have positive cooperation and where both sides have high expectations. Following the Joint Declaration, we have been tasked by both our Presidents to further operationalise our cooperation on migration adopting a holistic approach to migration and mobility governance. The recent visit by Commissioner Johansson amplified our joint endeavour, in particular to address smuggling and trafficking of human beings.
Egypt's successful efforts in managing its maritime borders, the generosity in hosting millions of migrants and refugees amidst a challenging economic and geo-political context and the work on improving the migration and asylum system are very much commendable and highly appreciated. We are fully aware of Egypt's challenging regional geo-political context and we very much appreciate Egypt's mediation efforts both for Gaza and Sudan.
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Egypt and the people of Egypt are not alone.
The war in Sudan has caused the largest displacement crisis in the world, especially affecting women and children. The conflict sadly continues unabated and the needs are compounded. The EU will continue supporting Egypt in this regard, with actions in the area of protection being a key element of our cooperation.
Today's dialogue is timely. It is an important tool allowing us to understand better the urgent 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 that are gathered today in this panel; the discussions will allow to identify needs as well as challenges, and ultimately strive to improve our cooperation further.
