Egypt seeks international support to help meet needs of refugees

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has discussed strengthening cooperation with European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner in the areas of migration, border management and combating migrant smuggling.

Abdelatty outlined the burden on Egypt as a result of hosting millions of refugees who have fled prolonged regional conflicts, according to a Foreign Ministry statement on Thursday. He said Egypt had achieved tangible results in this area, reflected in a decline in irregular migration from its territory towards Europe.

He stressed that hosting such large numbers places additional economic burdens on the state, making international support necessary to help Egypt meet its obligations towards refugees and continue providing them with essential services.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ambassador Nader Zaki said Abdelatty welcomed growing cooperation between Egypt and the EU on security, migration and international protection.

He also reaffirmed Cairo’s commitment to further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership launched in March 2024.

The foreign minister stressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to migration management that links migration with economic and social development and addresses the root causes of irregular migration.

He said migration was a shared challenge requiring continued coordination between Egypt and the European Union.

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