(MENAFN- Daily News Egypt) The ambassador said that another round of migration dialogue will be held on 10 July and European officials will be present, including Christian Leffler, the deputy secretary-general of the European External Action Service (EEAS); and Simon Mordue, the deputy director-general for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission.
Egypt is a key partner to the EU and one of the countries that play a crucial role in the region, the ambassador said, adding that Egypt's sustainable stability and security are not only important to the Egyptians but also to the entire region as well as to the EU.
EU has a firm belief that democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms are essential to achieve sustainable stability of the region, Surkos noted, emphasising the importance of the civil society which is a key participant in the economic, political, and social development.
NGOs also should have the opportunity to work in an enabling environment in order to perform their role, he explained.
EU is against escalation in the Arab Gulf or using the force to solve the political issues, the ambassador stressed.
"In the EU, we believe that my neighbour's strength is my strength and we apply this principle in our foreign relations," the ambassador asserted.
The first EU-Arab summit that was held in Sharm El-Sheikh in February was attended by the heads of states and governments of both the EU and the Arab League, he elaborated.
The summit witnessed in-depth discussions on different topics that aim to enhance cooperation between Europe and the Arab World, the ambassador noted.
Both sides also agreed to strengthen economic cooperation and committed to develop a concrete agenda especially in the fields of trade, energy, science, research, technology, tourism, agriculture, and other mutually beneficial areas, Surkos mentioned.
Free media and well-informed citizens are bases for a modern democratic country, the ambassador noted, adding that access to information and freedom of media are essential in order to formulate and successfully implement government policies.
The ambassador stressed the importance of the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedom, noting that protecting and supporting human rights, democracy and the rule of law are guiding principles to the EU's External Action.
"We support and defend these principles within the framework of our partnership with Egypt as well as with all our partners around the world," he asserted.
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