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COP 27
Shouldering the responsibility with pride and honor, I look forward to the opening of the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27) in Sharm El-Sheikh.
The current session of the climate summit comes at a very sensitive time, in which our world is exposed to existential threats and unprecedented challenges threatening the very survival of our planet and our existence on it.
There is no doubt that these dangers and challenges require all countries to act swiftly to develop a roadmap in order to rescue and protect the world from the effects of climate change.
Egypt hopes that pledges would turn into actions, after the conference, with concrete steps on the ground, thus building on the previous achievements especially the outcomes of the Glasgow Summit and the Paris Agreement.
In Sharm El-Sheikh, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, and her accompanying delegation. The meeting was also attended by the Prime Minister, the Governor of the Central Bank and the Ministers of Planning and Economic Development, International Cooperation and Finance.
The meeting reviewed the aspects of the partnership between Egypt and the IMF, particularly in light of the recently agreed cooperation program between the two sides to complete the implementation of Egypt's economic reform trajectory.
President El-Sisi welcomed Ms. Georgieva in Egypt to participate in the World Climate Summit COP27. The President expressed appreciation for her contributions to the fruitful partnership and constructive cooperation between the Government of Egypt and the International Monetary Fund to implement the comprehensive economic reform program. He noted that this partnership provides a positive climate for investment and its promising opportunities in Egypt, which reflects on supporting the Egyptian economy. The President also emphasized the state’s commitment to completing the economic and structural reform process, pertinent to the monetary and fiscal policies, and to boosting the role of the private sector.
The IMF Managing Director confirmed that the IMF will continue its cooperation relations and outstanding partnership with Egypt to support the economic reforms process, which showed resilience and ability to accommodate the negative and shocking repercussions emanating from the Coronavirus pandemic and the current global economic crisis resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war, which have profoundly impacted emerging economies. She lauded Egypt’s success in dealing with these repercussions and successive changes to the global monetary policy and in containing their repercussions, which maintained the safe path of the Egyptian economy.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received world leaders participating in the World Climate Summit COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh.
“In the name of Allah the Most Benevolent, the Most Merciful"
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First, I would like to welcome you all to Egypt, which I would like for you to view as your second country. Egypt is pleased to host and welcome you all on its land and is interested in working with you to reinforce the values of cooperation and joint action in various fields.
We are all here today to discuss one of the most important and pressing global issues that is combating climate change through the work of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27), which is currently taking place in the city of Sharm el-Sheikh, the city of peace, and the first of Egyptian cities to know its path towards green transformation. The eyes and minds of millions around the world are directed towards the city to follow our conference and the resulting outcomes, which will contribute to the transformation of millions of people's destinies for the better and the creation of a clean and sustainable environment. A climate that is more responsive to the peoples' needs and conditions that are conducive to life, work and growth, without damaging our world's resources, which must be further developed and invested, and made more sustainable.
The millions of peoples watching us today, who viewed our conference last year; women, men, youth, children, farmers, workers, and businessmen, people from all over our planet share a common destiny and goal. Some are present with us here today, and some are outside of these halls and in front of the screens. They are asking us difficult, but necessary questions, questions that we should ask ourselves, before they are addressed to us.
Are we closer today to achieving our goals than we were a year ago? Have we been able to assume our responsibilities as world leaders in dealing with the most serious and influential issues of the century? The most important question that we should be asking ourselves is: does what we aspire to achieve fall under the scope of possible? Undoubtedly, it is not impossible if there is a genuine will and sincere intention to promote joint climate action and transform the outcomes of our meetings to a tangible reality.
I have confidence that you are here today to answer those questions, and to respond to the concerns of the millions around the globe who are now, more than ever, suffering from climate disasters, whose pace is accelerating and intensity is increasing, in an unprecedented manner, day by day, all over our planet.
One disaster ends in one place and another starts in a different place, leaving behind thousands of victims, injured and displaced and causing billions in material losses. It is as if the world has become a stage, a constant display of human suffering in the strongest form.
Here, we have to stop and ask ourselves: Isn’t it about time for this suffering to end?
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Today, what our world needs to overcome the current climate crisis and to reach what we have agreed on as goals in the Paris Agreement, surpasses slogans and words. Today, our peoples expect from us rapid, effective and equitable implementation. Our peoples expect us to take real and concrete steps towards reducing emissions, enhancing adaptation with the consequences of climate change, and providing the necessary financing for developing countries that suffer the most from the current climate crisis. Therefore, we have been keen to call this Conference: "Implementation Summit ", which is the goal that all our efforts and endeavors must center around.
Despite all the challenges that we have faced and still face, as well as all the factors, which I know, cast shadow on our ability to reach the Paris Agreement goals and to protect our planet from a future in which temperature increase reaches 2.5° C and 3° C, there is evidence that make us hold on to hope in humanity's ability to make a better future for generations to come. Generations that must not bear the consequences of mistakes they have not made. Peoples who have become more aware and knowledgeable of the scale of the challenges and the requirements to address them, and the high price of inaction. There is also hope in governments that know what they need to do and seek to do that according to their capabilities and hope in a global business sector and civil society that own the tools that qualify them to play important roles within this framework.
In Egypt, we have set ambitious goals expressed in Egypt’s National Strategy to Address Climate Change. We are working diligently to accelerate the pace of green transformation by expanding reliance on renewable energy and clean transport. We have taken concrete steps towards the structural transformation of bills, legislation and government working mechanisms so as to contribute to the promotion of green investments.
Perhaps the national programs for investing in water, energy and food projects (NWFE) that Egypt has recently launched is an embodiment of this ambition and trend. Egypt’s transition towards a low-emission green economy in all areas is a practical demonstration for the need for effective implementation on the ground and is a good example that hope still exists to overcome the challenges imposed by climate change, if there is will and determination.
You probably agree with me that if we truly want to walk into a future where we ensure that temperatures remain below 2 °C and if we are truly determined to create a future for all by all, it is my duty to honestly share a few concerns that we should not overlook. Our ability as an international community to move ahead in a unified and coordinated manner to implement our commitments and pledges in accordance with the Paris Agreement is contingent on the level of trust we are able to build among us.
It is, therefore, necessary for developing countries, especially in our African continent, to feel that their priorities are addressed and taken into consideration. These countries bear their responsibilities, to the best of their abilities and the amount of appropriate support and finance, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, granting them some satisfaction with their position on global efforts to combat climate change.
This will only materialize by building mutual trust to motivate and support more constructive work. Also, it will not materialize without developed countries taking additional serious steps to fulfill the pledges they have taken upon themselves to finance and support adaptation efforts and address the losses and damages resulting from climate change in developing and the least developed countries. This shall take place in a manner that ensures the formulation of practical tracks to achieve a balanced transition towards a green economy and takes into account the special circumstances and conditions of these countries.
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Your presence here today is a confirmation of the attention you accord to climate change action, which I hope will reflect on the alignment of your countries’ positions with the title of the summit: Implementation.
Today, I appeal for your messages to the world, which is highly expecting of us, to be clear messages, including specific steps to implement commitments and pledges.
I suggest announcing more nationally determined contributions, raising the ambition of your strategies to reduce emissions, launching ambitious and effective initiatives that gather proactive actors around clear goals with regard to adaptation and financing, following-up on the implementation of previously launched initiatives and joining the new ones, which Egypt intends to launch during the conference.
Most importantly, I ask you to advise your negotiators, who will start two weeks of important negotiations, to be flexible and to work on building trust and consensus in order to reach outcomes, which I am certain that you, world leaders, want this conference to result in.
The hope I share with you today is not merely wishful, but rather one driven by the ability to work and act. Many of our countries have been able, over the past year, to provide bright examples of this work and this ability, advancing forward with the implementation of their commitments, despite all difficulties. From here, I call on you to follow these models and not allow any factors to undermine our resolve and ability to combat the challenge of climate change, which will not recede nor stop without our intervention.
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Time is pressing and the end of this decade is a few years away. We have to make the best of these years to win this battle in a way that we want and are satisfied with.
Now is the time for action and implementation. There is no room to retreat or use challenges as pretexts to justify that. Missing the opportunity means squandering the legacy of future generations; our children and grandchildren.
I have confidence in your wisdom, in your understanding of this crucial moment in the life of our planet. I know that we all measure up to the responsibility entrusted to us. Let us now move together towards implementation and nothing but implementation.
Thank you
I wish all of us a successful conference
May the Peace of Allah be Upon You
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Prime Minister of Italy, Mrs. Giorgia Meloni, on the sidelines of the COP27 World Climate Summit.
President El-Sisi welcomed the Italian Prime Minister’s visit and her participation in the Climate Summit. The President congratulated her once again on assuming her post recently, expressing his appreciation for the extended bilateral relations between the two countries. He looked forward to Prime Minister Meloni’s visit to Egypt to give new impetus for developing these relations, which are based on deep historical ties with political, economic, security and cultural dimensions.
The Italian Prime Minister affirmed her country's mutual keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Egypt, which would open up prospects for construction and achieve the common interests of the two friendly countries and peoples. Prime Minister Meloni stressed that for Italy and the European continent Egypt represented a pivotal pillar for security and stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin.
The meeting focused on ways to develop economic, trade and investment relations, in addition to joint industrial cooperation with Italy. Joint cooperation in the file of energy security was also discussed. It is considered one of the most important paths of partnership between the two sides during the past years, particularly through the partnership with Eni company in the field of natural gas. The talks also touched on the possibility of implementing electricity interconnection with Italy, to capitalize on the rich and diverse capabilities in Egypt, which will contribute to addressing the challenge in Europe and most world countries to deal with the energy crisis.
Visions were also exchanged regarding coordinating efforts between Italy and Egypt as a leading partner of the European Union in the fight against illegal immigration. The Italian Prime Minister commended Egypt’s efforts in this regard, which contributed to preventing the departure of any illegal immigration boat from Egyptian coasts since 2016. President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's readiness to cooperate with the relevant Italian agencies in this regard, based on Egypt's full commitment to combating this phenomenon.
The meeting tackled the latest developments in issues related to Mediterranean security, mainly the Libyan file. The two sides agreed on the need to work to preserve the unity and sovereignty of Libya, and push for holding presidential and parliamentary elections, preserving national Libyan institutions, and strengthening the role of security authorities in combating terrorism.
The talks also touched on the issue of the Italian student "Regeni ", and cooperation in order to reach the truth and achieve justice.
“In the name of Allah the Most Benevolent, the Most Merciful"
My Brother, Your Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman..
Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
First of all, I would like to welcome you in Egypt, in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh, which hosts the “Climate Implementation Summit”, and, over the coming two weeks, the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which we hope will result in comprehensive and robust outcomes that will contribute to strengthening international climate action across all levels.
In fact, a few months ago when an idea was proposed to HRH the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to convene the second summit of the Middle East Green Initiative here in Sharm El-Sheikh, in conjunction with the Climate Summit and as one of its activities, I believed that it would be a good opportunity to shed more light on this significant initiative. The launch of this initiative, around a year ago, came to address one of the necessary aspects in climate action in our Arab world and in the Middle East region, which both suffer more than anywhere else from the negative impacts of climate change on the quality of agricultural land, the fertility of its soil, in addition to the steady rise of temperature, water scarcity and drought.
The large number of countries which joined this initiative since its launch, might be testimony to the seriousness our countries in the Arab region accord to efforts to combat climate change, either in terms of reducing emissions and the transition to renewable energy or in taking vigorous measures to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. The two aspects constitute the core of this initiative. In Egypt, for example, we were able to take broad steps toward the transition to renewable energy, either solar, wind or hydrogen energy. Currently, we are launching ambitious projects in the area of clean transport.
With regard to adaptation, Egypt has succeeded to achieve tangible successes in the sustainable management of water resources. The document of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which was updated in accordance with the Paris Agreement, includes a number of ambitious goals for adaptation in the sectors of agriculture, the protection of coastal areas and sustainable urban development.
And just like Egypt, all countries in our Arab region are exerting similar efforts in this context. Our region’s hosting of the Conference of the Parties(COP27) to the UNFCCC this year in Egypt, and next year in the United Arab Emirates, is good proof of the role our countries have assumed at the level of international climate action and their commitment to the implementation of climate pledges.
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Despite the economic challenges facing all countries in the world today, the international political tension ensuing from the Ukrainian crisis, as well as other challenges, our conference today represents an opportunity for leaders of the world, economic sectors, major international financial institutions and other partners to join these efforts toward a common undisputable goal, namely the inevitability to act urgently, promptly, and effectively to counter the challenge of climate change. Everybody acknowledges that time is not on our side. Gaps in reducing emissions, in adaptation measures, and in providing mechanisms and means for implementation, primarily climate fund, need swift action and executive measures on the ground. Therefore, we are confident that all participants in our conference this year in Sharm El-Sheikh realize the weight of responsibility they shoulder and the amount of expectations our societies everywhere hope to be fulfilled in the outcomes emanating from the conference.
For our part, as chair of the Conference of the Parties, we spared no effort to provide all requirements to convene the conference, in terms of organization and procedures, to ensure the broadest participation possible by all governmental and non-governmental parties. We have exerted all efforts, and we still do, to bridge the gap between points of view on all contentious issues to help the various parties reach a point of convergence and consensus, which will allow the conference to come up with effective and practical outcomes, that live up to the ambitions and expectations of the peoples around the globe.
In connection with the above-mentioned and with Egypt’s constant confirmation that it is time to move to the phase of implementation on the ground, the Middle East Green Initiative represents a perfect opportunity to cultivate closer cooperation among its member states, with the aim of mobilizing more investments and provide new mechanisms for innovative financing to support our countries’ projects to address climate change, in coordination with Arab and regional financial institutions that assume an important role in this regard. The initiative also represents an appropriate framework to boost technical cooperation and connect research centers in member states to achieve integration among the research and applied programs related to climate change technology.
Therefore, I invite you today, during our meeting, to put forward innovative ideas and constructive proposals that would contribute to bolstering climate action in our countries in the context of the principle of “implementation”, around which we are gathered.
I am confident that our meeting today will come up with results that will demonstrate our rigorous commitment to climate action across all levels for the benefit of the coming generations of the Arab region and the entire world.
Thank you
Once again I would like to thank HRH and I look forward to fruitful and effective discussions.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met in Sharm El-Sheikh with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak , on the sidelines of the COP27 meetings.
The Spokesman for the Presidency said the President welcomed the British Prime Minister's visit to Egypt, being his first foreign visit.The President congratulated Mr. Sunak once again for assuming his role as prime minister and expressed that Egypt looked forward to optimising bilateral cooperation in the coming period, enhancing political coordination and exchanging views on various issues of common interest.
The British prime minister expressed his appreciation for Egypt's successful and distinguished organization of the global climate summit. He also valued the close ties between Egypt and Britain and the unprecedented momentum that bilateral relations have gained over the past years, particularly at the level of economic and trade relations. Mr. Sunak confirmed that Egypt is one of Britain's most important partners in the Middle East, acting as the cornerstone for stability and security in the region.
The meeting also touched on the two countries' joint efforts to support and strengthen climate action at the regional and international levels, as well as ways and prospects to bolster bilateral cooperation at various levels and take advantage of the capabilities available of both sides in this regard. Both sides agreed to continue to enhance mutual and constructive dialogue between the two countries in the coming period.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with French President Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the COP 27 meetings.
President El-Sisi welcomed the French President's visit to Egypt and lauded the development of bilateral relations in all fields. The President expressed that Egypt looked forward to enhancing political coordination and exchanging views with France on various regional and international issues of common interest, particularly issues related to food and energy security, as well as the sectors in which France has an advantage, such as transportation and electric car industry.
French President Macron expressed his country's appreciation to Egypt, praising the close ties and deep friendship that bind Egypt and France. He also lauded the unprecedented momentum that bilateral relations have gained recently in various fields, especially at the level of economic and trade relations.
The French president also noted Egypt's remarkable success in organizing a huge global event of the scale of the climate summit and stressed his country's keenness to intensively coordinate and consult with Egypt, being one of its most important partners in the region. He also valued Egypt's role in laying the foundations for stability in the Middle East, Mediterranean region and Africa.
The Spokesman added that the two presidents tackled a number of regional and international issues of common interest, especially the developments in Libya and the Russian -Ukrainian crisis.
“In the name of Allah the Most Benevolent, the Most Merciful"
Your Excellency President Nicos Anastasiades,
President of Cyprus,
Your Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses
It is my pleasure to welcome you today in this important session, which is held in partnership between Egypt and Cyprus. In this regard, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for my dear friend, President Nicos Anastasiades, President of Cyprus, for his initiative to convene this session during the “Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit”. This stems from his keenness for our summit to result in outcomes that reinforce the principle of “Implementation”, around which we are gathered.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Egypt was keen on joining the "The Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative" since its launch for the first time in 2019, based on its belief in the important role this initiative could have. It was part of efforts to coordinate policies to address climate change among the initiative’s member states, so as to contribute to enhancing climate action and strengthen efforts to counter its negative impacts in our regional milieu. The region, as you know, is among the areas most affected by the consequences of climate change and its devastating effects on all levels. This has become tangibly clear over the past few years, which have witnessed severe climatic events in the region, ranging from wildfires, to floods and torrents, which left formidable human and material losses.
You may agree with me that voluntary initiatives to mobilize support for efforts to combat climate change have become one of the most important mechanisms for global climate action, particularly as it has become clear that in spite of the primary responsibility of states and governments in this effort, other non-state actors could and even should play complementary and supportive roles based on their responsibilities and the principle of cooperation and participation. Therefore, these initiatives are important as they allow all parties to coordinate their policies and efforts.
In fact, what distinguishes this initiative from other initiatives and efforts, is its scientific component, which is an indispensable element if we seek our efforts to combat climate change to be consistent with the best science available. This places us on the right path toward the implementation of the Paris Agreement goals, including the target of 1.5 ° C.
Ladies and gentlemen,
During our meeting, I look forward to learning about what the initiative has been able to achieve since its launch until today. This includes the proposed Regional Action Plan, which I am confident will contribute to strengthening our joint efforts to address climate change in the region. I also look forward to hearing from the various experiences and expertise of the initiative's member states with regard to their efforts to address climate change at the national and regional levels.
I believe that we will emerge from today's discussion with a more profound understanding of the magnitude of the challenge our states are facing and the amount of effort needed for us to counter it.
Thank you for listening
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you all for this rich dialogue and constructive debate which confirm that climate action has become a priority in our countries. I would also like to express my admiration for the steps that have already been taken under the initiative and its ambitious regional action plan that is consistent with the principle of “implementation”, on which we are focusing at the climate summit this year.
Egypt is pleased to work, during the coming period, with all member states of the initiative to ensure that the action plan is implemented in a comprehensive manner. This action plan would contribute to making our countries more capable of facing climate change and adapting to its negative effects, based on sound science, in our belief that there is no other way other than science and diligent work to overcome the challenges facing our world today and our region at the heart of it.
Thank you. I am confident that you all are aware of the importance of continuing the hard work to implement pledges and commitments on climate. I wish you a fruitful participation in the rest of the events of our summit and a pleasant stay in Sharm El-Sheikh, the charming city.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Honorable Chancellor Olaf Scholz,
The Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany,
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses,
At the outset, I would like to thank you for being here today at this important meeting. I would also like to thank His Excellency Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor of Germany, for co-chairing this round-table which discusses one of the most important issues on confronting climate change, if not the most important of all: investing in the future of energy, specifically in green hydrogen.
You would agree with me that "green hydrogen" has probably become the most commonly used term in the past few years in the context of making a shift to renewable energy and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. This comes at a time particularly when the energy crisis that the world is currently going through is imposing on us all a real challenge in securing energy supply which our countries need, thus avoiding breaching duties with regard to facing the global climate crisis or falling short of the goals we agreed upon and the national policies through which we contribute to this effort. And here comes the green hydrogen as one of the most prominent solutions, in terms of making a shift to green economy in the coming years. It represents a real opportunity for economic development that is compatible with efforts to confront climate change and the Paris Agreement goals.
In fact, many countries have already begun to take serious steps in this direction, whether through formulating national hydrogen policies or setting ambitious time-bound goals for the gradual transition to green hydrogen, as a main source of energy, either through local production, import or both. Egypt was one of the first of these countries that have realized early on the opportunities available in this field, based on its huge potential in the production of clean energy. This, in turn, would enable it to become a global hub for green hydrogen production in the medium and long term.
As part of the practical translation of this and as a living example of the principle of "implementation"- the theme which we are meeting under- I am launching today, with the Honorable Prime Minister of Norway, the first phase of the project of constructing a green hydrogen plant with a capacity of 100 megawatts in " Ain Sokhna". It is a practical model for the stimulating investment partnership for sustainable economic development that is based, in addition to the governments’ role, on the national and foreign private sector to work hand in hand in this fruitful sector. Today, we’ll have the opportunity to get acquainted with all aspects of this project from the companies implementing it which are participating with us in this dialogue.
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses,
We have agreed that frankness and openness are the only means to move forward toward our common goals in a coordinated manner.
And so, allow me to convey to you some of our concerns here in Egypt and in other friendly developing countries:
First: Despite the opportunities that the hydrogen sector provides which are being already conveyed into projects in many countries, the share of developing countries of the suggested projects does not exceed more than two projects from about 680 suggested ones in the hydrogen sector worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency. It is, thus, clear that developing countries remain the least to benefit from the opportunities represented by the shift to green hydrogen at an accelerated pace. This is due to their weak technological capabilities in this new field and the lack of the infrastructure needed for transfer and storage and supply chains creation which are necessary for safe trading. This is in addition to the weak funding flows and lack of sustainable investments that are directed to them.
Second: Even in the few cases in which the developing countries could take a steady step in this field, Egypt, as an example, still has to face the challenges resulting from the fact that some countries support local green hydrogen producers, in a way that reduces their production cost. This causes imbalance in the global market of hydrogen and contributes to undermining competitiveness with regard to green hydrogen produced in developing countries, compared to their counterparts in the developed countries. Furthermore, there are technical challenges associated with the criteria and requirements for hydrogen trade and the identification of its sources, which must be flexible while maintaining the principles of transparency.
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses,
I raise these concerns to you for I am positive that our dialogue today has to come up with clear operational steps, on which we all agree, to reach mechanisms and effective solutions that drive us toward achieving our common goals in energy transformation. On this basis and in line with the principle of “implementation” on which we are focusing at this summit, allow me to announce a new initiative Egypt and Belgium have worked on over the past months in coordination with a number of partners.
In partnership with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr. Alexander De Croo, I am pleased to announce today the launch of the Global Renewable Hydrogen Forum, which aims at establishing a permanent platform for dialogue between hydrogen-producing countries and hydrogen-consuming countries and the private sector, organizations and financial institutions operating in this field. The dialogue’s main objective is to coordinate policies and procedures and create paths for trade and investment in hydrogen, thus contributing to accelerating the pace of the just transition we aspire to have.
In conclusion, since this round-table brings together some of the largest hydrogen-producing and hydrogen-consuming countries and heads of organizations and companies operating in this sector, I look forward to a meaningful, fruitful and constructive discussion in which we listen to different approaches and opinions and learn about the best practices and accumulated experiences. I am confident that, today, our discussions will result in further understanding of the nature of the issue and greater awareness of the scale of work which we have to accomplish in this regard to meet our aspirations.
Thank you.
I look forward to our extended discussion.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between Egypt and the UAE for the development of a measurement project, pertaining to the establishment of the 10-gigawatt (GW) onshore wind power mega-project in Egypt. The signing took place on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh.
President El-Sisi welcomed the German Chancellor in Egypt, lauding the progress in Egyptian-German bilateral relations, across all political, economic, social and military fields. The President confirmed that this reflected on the rate and intensity of the exchange of visits between senior officials from both countries, notably the President’s recent visit to Berlin last July. President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt seeks to bolster joint cooperation and strengthen political coordination with Germany in the coming period.
Chancellor Scholz expressed sincere appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality he received. He also voiced his huge admiration of Egypt’s outstanding organization of the World Climate Summit, and valued the firm bonds between Egypt and Germany as well as the remarkable momentum in the two countries’ relations over the past years, particularly in economic and trade relations. The German Chancellor emphasized that Germany considers Egypt a key partner in cooperation and in efforts to address common challenges.
President El-Sisi said he looks forward to Germany enhancing its contributions to the priorities of Egypt’s development plans in various fields, by increasing German investments. He highlighted in particular the sectors of the localization of the industry, energy including green hydrogen, tourism, technical education and vocational training, given the promising opportunities provided by mega national projects nationwide. Chancellor Scholz underscored Germany’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s ambitious measures, which aim at achieving comprehensive development, notably by increasing investments, sharing expertise, and transferring technology, in addition to the localization of the German industry.
The meeting also discussed the latest developments in a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, in addition to joint efforts to enhance and promote climate action at the international level.
“In the name of Allah the Most Benevolent, the Most Merciful"
Your Excellency, Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre,
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me pleasure and honor to join you in the inauguration of the first phase of the first project for the production of green hydrogen in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit.
I would like to seize this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for Prime Minister of Norway, Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, and laud Norway’s leading role in countering climate change and dealing with its impacts, which is demonstrated in its political commitment, at the highest level, to supporting international climate action and promoting equitable transition efforts towards a green economy.
This is demonstrated by our meeting today to inaugurate the first phase of the green hydrogen production project, which represents an opportunity for consultation and coordination among a wide range of active states, in efforts to counter climate change and mobilize international consensus at the political level, on various topics negotiated during the conferences of the parties (COP).
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In view of the accelerated global interest in renewable energies and in improving electricity generation technologies from renewable sources of energy, that coincided with the growing global interest in climate change and rising fossil fuel prices, and as part of efforts to benefit from Egypt's natural wealth, particularly renewable energy sources, Egypt, in 2016, adopted the Integrated and Sustainable Energy Strategy until 2035. The strategy stipulates increasing the supply of electricity generated from renewable energy to 42% by 2035. The Integrated and Sustainable Energy Strategy in Egypt has been aligned with the Sustainable Development Strategy "Egypt Vision 2030", the "National Climate Change Strategy 2050" and "The 17 United Nations Goals for Sustainable Development".
The mega project to produce green hydrogen in the Economic Zone of the Suez Canal, which is considered one of the most important geographical locations worldwide, will enables us to export green hydrogen easily to Europe and the various continents.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Egypt has taken numerous measures to enhance the utilization of the enormous potential of renewable energies it possesses. This is done by encouraging the private sector to invest in the construction, ownership and operation of electricity generation plants and in the selling of electricity, generated from solar and wind energy. The Egyptian State is also keen on overcoming any obstacles impeding these investments and on drafting a roadmap to increase the size and scope of these investments in the years ahead.
The private sector has now great confidence in Egypt's investment climate and I would like to tell you: Many projects are being implemented in the field of electricity production from wind and solar energy, which demonstrates the ability of renewable energy to attract foreign direct investment. It also underscores the role of the national institutions in creating an investment climate with low risks and positive interaction with financial institutions and development partners.
There is no doubt that electricity interconnections and energy trade play a significant role in enhancing energy security. Therefore, Egypt actively participates in all regional electricity interconnection projects and electricity markets. The electricity interconnection line project between Egypt and Greece is under construction, as Egypt will act as an energy bridge between Africa and Europe.
It is worth mentioning that the electricity interconnections between Africa and Europe will accommodate the huge electrical energies that will be produced from renewable energy sources in Africa. Egypt is keen on supporting the African countries’ efforts to access clean energy from renewable sources, particularly as many African countries have numerous unutilized sources of renewable energy. Egypt is expected to be one of the main hubs for transferring clean electric energy to Europe.
Ladies and gentlemen,
All of these efforts highlight Egypt's early endeavor to take effective steps to transform into a sustainable development model that is consistent with efforts to protect the environment and address climate change. This is not only because it believes in the right of its children and current generations to have a better future, but also due to its awareness of what the green transformation represents as a promising opportunity to achieve economic development in numerous vital sectors.
In conclusion, I would like to thank you once again, and stress that Egypt will spare no effort to encourage investments in green energy and green fuel projects, as the green transformation represents a promising opportunity to achieve economic development in Egypt. We also appreciate all efforts exerted to ensure that COP27 World Climate Summit achieves successful recommendations capable of demonstrating the international community's unity against an existential threat that we can only overcome through collective action and effective implementation.
Thank you,
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon you
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the President of Tanzania, Samia Hassan, in Sharm El-Sheikh, on the sidelines of the COP 27 meetings.
President El-Sisi welcomed his Tanzanian counterpart. The President also offered his condolences to the government and people of Tanzania for the victims of the plane that crashed into Lake Victoria, asking Allah Almighty to grant solace to their families.
President El-Sisi asserted the vital role that Tanzania plays, as one of the active countries in Africa, as well as its efforts to enhance security and stability in the continent. The President also stressed the strong historical relations that the two peoples and countries share, and Egypt’s keenness to strengthen them at all levels, particularly the Egyptian investments in vital sectors mainly the construction of the Julius Nyerere Dam to generate hydroelectric power, which Egypt relies on to give strong impetus to development in Tanzania.
The Tanzanian president expressed her sincere appreciation for the President’s condolences. She confirmed the deep and close relations between the two countries and looked forward to advancing cooperation with Egypt in all fields, in light of the pivotal role it plays regionally. She noted the broad prospects for developing cooperation between the two countries in many fields, especially at the economic level, and expressed appreciation for the technical support that Egypt provides to her country in the field of capacity building over the past years. This is while lauding the activities of Egyptian companies in Tanzania and their contribution to development efforts, especially within the framework of the Julius Nyerere Dam, which Tanzania considers one of the country's major vital projects.
President Hassan also extended her sincere congratulations and appreciation for the President on the occasion of Egypt's successful organization of the global climate summit, considering it a historic success for Egypt and the entire African continent.
The two presidents touched on ways to advance bilateral relations and reviewed the latest developments in the African continent, as well as efforts to combat terrorism, being one of the biggest challenges that Africa faces. The two presidents welcomed alignment in views on various political issues as well as on the importance of enhancing integration among African countries, especially in the economic and trade fields, and developing the infrastructure.
Talks also touched on the Nile water file. There was agreement to support the development path of the Nile Basin countries and efforts to strengthen relations among them in all development fields.
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh.
President El-Sisi welcomed President Ndayishimiye in Egypt, stressing Egypt's determination to continue providing all aspects of support to Burundi, which shares historical relations with Egypt. President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt looks forward to promoting the level of bilateral political coordination and consultation between the two countries.
President Ndayishimiye lauded Egypt’s successful organization of the World Climate Summit, and commended the outstanding brotherly relations and fraternal bonds between the two countries. He affirmed his keenness on further strengthening these relations at all levels, particularly in the various developmental and technical fields, in parallel with advancing the level of political relations and boosting the mechanisms of consultation and coordination in various areas.
The meeting discussed ways to step-up joint cooperation across all levels. The Burundian President lauded Egypt’s unlimited support to maintain stability in Burundi, as well as its relentless support in all regional and international fora. President El-Sisi valued Burundi's supportive stance for Egypt with regard to issues of the Nile water dossier.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inspected, on a bike ride, the environmentally-friendly Green Zone in Sharm Sheikh where many events take place during the World Climate Summit. The President also met some of the youth and foreigners participating in the summit.
On his bike ride this morning in Sharm El-Sheikh, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met a Swedish climate change activist. She set off on a 7000-km, 4-month cycle from Sweden to participate in COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh.
“The European Union and Egypt reaffirm their determination to combat climate change and environmental degradation, while fostering sustainable development, energy security and a balanced and just green transition.
In particular, the EU and Egypt reiterate their commitment to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and keeping a 1.5 degrees Celsius limit on temperature rise within reach, including through a rapid energy transition based on the expansion of renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency.
We jointly view renewable hydrogen as a key contributor to reducing emissions and ensuring energy security, while representing an opportunity for industrial cooperation, sustainable economic growth and job creation.
We are engaging in establishing a long-term partnership on renewable hydrogen that will enable us to accelerate the decarbonisation of our energy systems through the development, deployment, use and undistorted trade of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.
The EU and Egypt will take the measures necessary to accelerate the deployment of renewable power generation as critical enabler of the production of renewable hydrogen and an essential element of the transition towards decarbonised energy systems. We intend to facilitate and promote investments for boosting the production, storage, distribution and transport of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.
We are also intensifying our cooperation on policy and regulatory frameworks, market assessment, research and innovation to facilitate the development of an hydrogen economy. Particular attention will be paid to carefully assess and integrate potential environmental concerns in the design and implementation of policies promoting the renewable hydrogen industry, in particular as regards the use of water.
We intend to facilitate access to finance and foster investment all along the renewable hydrogen value chain, including through de-risking mechanisms, cooperation with the private sector and development of pipelines of viable investment projects.
To achieve these objectives, we will bring together representatives of the concerned industrial sectors, regulatory authorities, financial institutions and experts to facilitate policy development and industrial cooperation. Bringing on all stake-holders will help accelerate the implementation of projects on the ground and increase the use of renewable hydrogen. We jointly welcome all endeavours in this regard, including efforts at COP27. A Memorandum of Understanding laying out the pillars of EU-Egypt cooperation on renewable hydrogen will be signed on the margins of COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh, reinforcing the ongoing bilateral cooperation on green transition in line with the EU-Egypt Association Agreement, the EU Global Gateway, the EU Agenda for the Mediterranean and its Economic and Investment Plan, and the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities.
We see this EU- Egypt Memorandum of Understanding as a central block in the building of an EU-Mediterranean Renewable Hydrogen Partnership.” (The European Commission)
"The President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Alexander De Croo, announced the launch of the “Global Renewable Hydrogen Forum” during the High-Level Roundtable on “Investing in the future of Energy: Green Hydrogen” in the margins of the Sharm El Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit at COP27.
Egypt and Belgium, as Co-sponsors, announced the launch of the “Global Renewable Hydrogen Forum” during the High-Level Roundtable on “Investing in the future of Energy “Green Hydrogen” that took place as part of the World Leaders Segment at COP27.
Heads of States, principals representing different intergovernmental institutions, and private sector participating in the roundtable welcomed the launch of the initiative, and commended all efforts to advance the development of the green hydrogen value chain across the globe.
The Global Renewable Hydrogen Forum constitutes a multi-stakeholder platform, bringing together public authorities, the private sector, port authorities, intergovernmental organizations, designed to facilitate large-scale deployment of renewable hydrogen to foster decarbonisation of local industries, accelerate just transition and unlock the environmental and socio-economic benefits of the global hydrogen economy, and to identify the best instruments enabling the cross-border trade of renewable hydrogen.
The initiative builds on and harmonizes the existing green hydrogen initiatives in order to:
IRENA, UNIDO, The Hydrogen Council and Green Climate Fund are main partners of the initiative." (premier.be)
In Sharm El-Sheikh, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Ms. Nancy Pelosi and her accompanying delegation, on the sidelines of COP27.
President El-Sisi had a one-on-one meeting with Ms. Pelosi, which was followed by extensive discussions in which her accompanying delegation took part.
President El-Sisi welcomed Ms. Pelosi and her accompanying delegation to Egypt, stressing the strategic, long-standing relations between Egypt and the United States and Egypt’s keenness to strengthen them in all their aspects.
The importance of coordinated efforts has been emphasized, given the turbulent conditions in the region and the escalating challenges they bring about. On top of these challenges are instability, terrorism, as well as the negative repercussions on economy, energy and food security due to many successive global crises, especially the coronavirus and Russian-Ukrainian crisis. These challenges call for solidarity for these repercussions to be confronted.
In this regard, the President affirmed his keenness to communicate with the leaders of the Congress on a regular basis to ensure coordination and consultation between the two friendly countries on various issues of common interest. His Excellency discussed the efforts made by Egypt regarding the fight against terrorism and extremist ideology, stressing that Egypt is making further efforts to eradicate extremist ideology that leads to violence, destruction, sabotage and the demolition of states.
On her part, Ms. Pelosi congratulated President El-Sisi on the outstanding organization of the World Climate Summit, praising the deep, joint cooperation between the two friendly countries. She stressed the great importance that the United States attaches to relations with Egypt, noting that Egypt is a pillar of security and stability in the Middle East and the Arab world and a pivotal partner to the United States in the region. She expressed her appreciation for Egypt’s successful and effective role under the leadership of the President in combating terrorism and extremist ideology, reforming religious discourse and enshrining noble concepts and values such as freedom of belief, tolerance and acceptance of the other. She also commended the great efforts made in Egypt to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for the benefit of citizens.
There was an open dialogue between the President and members of the American delegation. The members of the delegation were keen to listen to the President’s assessments on various regional and international issues, especially regarding the efforts made to combat terrorism over the past years in Egypt and the developments of the various existing crises in the region, particularly in Libya, Yemen and Syria.
Moreover, Egypt’s unremitting efforts to reach political settlements to these issues were also discussed. President El-Sisi stressed that the solution to these issues revolves around ending foreign interference and the presence of armed militias and extremist groups, in parallel with supporting the concept of the state and its institutions, central governments and national armies.
In response to the inquiries of some members of the delegation, the President explained the current situation of the Renaissance Dam issue. He stressed his firm position on reaching a legally-binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam in order to achieve the interest of all parties and preserve Egypt’s water security.
The meeting also discussed the developments of the question of Palestine. Ms. Pelosi praised the Egyptian efforts in support of the peace process that aim to maintain calm between the two sides. The President affirmed Egypt's firm position in this regard: reaching a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people according to international references, thus opening up prospects for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among all the peoples of the region.
They also discussed ways to promote bilateral relations between the two countries in a range of areas, especially at the political, military and economic levels. The President also reviewed the efforts made by the Egyptian state to advance development and modernize infrastructure and steps taken toward comprehensive economic reform and sustainable development.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with US President Joe Biden in Sharm El-Sheikh, on the sidelines of COP27.
President El-Sisi welcomed President Biden's visit to Egypt and affirmed the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and its pivotal role in supporting security and stability in the Middle East. The President looked forward to strengthening coordination and consultation between the two sides on various political, security and regional issues, as well as continuing to promote and strengthen this partnership across various fields of cooperation within the framework of mutual respect and common interest.
President Biden valued the strong and deep Egyptian-US relations and confirmed that the US considers Egypt a strong and reliable friend and ally in the region. He looked forward to intensifying coordination and consultation on all regional and international issues, in light of Egypt's political leverage and balanced role within its regional surrounding, in addition to its contributions, under the leadership of President El-Sisi, to achieve stability for all the peoples of the region.
The meeting touched on developments pertinent to the Palestinian issue. The US President valued Egypt's tireless and significant efforts in this context, including maintaining calm between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's unwavering position on reaching a just and comprehensive solution that ensures the rights of the Palestinian people, according to the international references.
The meeting also tackled combating terrorism and extremism. President El-Sisi stressed the firm will of the state, government and people to continue diligent efforts to confront this scourge and undermine its security and ideological threats. For his part, President Biden praised the success of the decisive Egyptian efforts in this regard and the burdens borne under the leadership of the President to combat terrorism and extremism. He expressed the support of the US administration for these efforts and asserted that Egypt is a key partner in confronting the challenge of transnational terrorism. The Spokesman added that the two presidents exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, especially the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its negative repercussions worldwide, mainly on the sectors of food and energy. They also discussed developments in Libya, Yemen and Syria. President El-Sisi confirmed that reaching political settlements for these crises is based mainly on consolidating the concept of the nation-state and ending the presence of foreign mercenaries and militias in the region.
The meeting also touched on the issue of the Renaissance Dam. The President affirmed Egypt's adherence to preserving its water security for the current and future generations by reaching a legally binding agreement for filling and operating the dam that guarantees Egypt's water security, in accordance with the principles of international law to achieve the common interests of all parties, and hence the importance of the US role to undertake an influential role in resolving this crisis.
President El-Sisi saw off President Biden, who departed Sharm El-Sheikh after participating in COP27.
COP 27
Shouldering the responsibility with pride and honor, I look forward to the opening of the 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27) in Sharm El-Sheikh.
The current session of the climate summit comes at a very sensitive time, in which our world is exposed to existential threats and unprecedented challenges threatening the very survival of our planet and our existence on it.
There is no doubt that these dangers and challenges require all countries to act swiftly to develop a roadmap in order to rescue and protect the world from the effects of climate change.
Egypt hopes that pledges would turn into actions, after the conference, with concrete steps on the ground, thus building on the previous achievements especially the outcomes of the Glasgow Summit and the Paris Agreement.
In Sharm El-Sheikh, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, and her accompanying delegation. The meeting was also attended by the Prime Minister, the Governor of the Central Bank and the Ministers of Planning and Economic Development, International Cooperation and Finance.
The meeting reviewed the aspects of the partnership between Egypt and the IMF, particularly in light of the recently agreed cooperation program between the two sides to complete the implementation of Egypt's economic reform trajectory.
President El-Sisi welcomed Ms. Georgieva in Egypt to participate in the World Climate Summit COP27. The President expressed appreciation for her contributions to the fruitful partnership and constructive cooperation between the Government of Egypt and the International Monetary Fund to implement the comprehensive economic reform program. He noted that this partnership provides a positive climate for investment and its promising opportunities in Egypt, which reflects on supporting the Egyptian economy. The President also emphasized the state’s commitment to completing the economic and structural reform process, pertinent to the monetary and fiscal policies, and to boosting the role of the private sector.
The IMF Managing Director confirmed that the IMF will continue its cooperation relations and outstanding partnership with Egypt to support the economic reforms process, which showed resilience and ability to accommodate the negative and shocking repercussions emanating from the Coronavirus pandemic and the current global economic crisis resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war, which have profoundly impacted emerging economies. She lauded Egypt’s success in dealing with these repercussions and successive changes to the global monetary policy and in containing their repercussions, which maintained the safe path of the Egyptian economy.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received world leaders participating in the World Climate Summit COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh.
“In the name of Allah the Most Benevolent, the Most Merciful"
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
First, I would like to welcome you all to Egypt, which I would like for you to view as your second country. Egypt is pleased to host and welcome you all on its land and is interested in working with you to reinforce the values of cooperation and joint action in various fields.
We are all here today to discuss one of the most important and pressing global issues that is combating climate change through the work of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27), which is currently taking place in the city of Sharm el-Sheikh, the city of peace, and the first of Egyptian cities to know its path towards green transformation. The eyes and minds of millions around the world are directed towards the city to follow our conference and the resulting outcomes, which will contribute to the transformation of millions of people's destinies for the better and the creation of a clean and sustainable environment. A climate that is more responsive to the peoples' needs and conditions that are conducive to life, work and growth, without damaging our world's resources, which must be further developed and invested, and made more sustainable.
The millions of peoples watching us today, who viewed our conference last year; women, men, youth, children, farmers, workers, and businessmen, people from all over our planet share a common destiny and goal. Some are present with us here today, and some are outside of these halls and in front of the screens. They are asking us difficult, but necessary questions, questions that we should ask ourselves, before they are addressed to us.
Are we closer today to achieving our goals than we were a year ago? Have we been able to assume our responsibilities as world leaders in dealing with the most serious and influential issues of the century? The most important question that we should be asking ourselves is: does what we aspire to achieve fall under the scope of possible? Undoubtedly, it is not impossible if there is a genuine will and sincere intention to promote joint climate action and transform the outcomes of our meetings to a tangible reality.
I have confidence that you are here today to answer those questions, and to respond to the concerns of the millions around the globe who are now, more than ever, suffering from climate disasters, whose pace is accelerating and intensity is increasing, in an unprecedented manner, day by day, all over our planet.
One disaster ends in one place and another starts in a different place, leaving behind thousands of victims, injured and displaced and causing billions in material losses. It is as if the world has become a stage, a constant display of human suffering in the strongest form.
Here, we have to stop and ask ourselves: Isn’t it about time for this suffering to end?
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Today, what our world needs to overcome the current climate crisis and to reach what we have agreed on as goals in the Paris Agreement, surpasses slogans and words. Today, our peoples expect from us rapid, effective and equitable implementation. Our peoples expect us to take real and concrete steps towards reducing emissions, enhancing adaptation with the consequences of climate change, and providing the necessary financing for developing countries that suffer the most from the current climate crisis. Therefore, we have been keen to call this Conference: "Implementation Summit ", which is the goal that all our efforts and endeavors must center around.
Despite all the challenges that we have faced and still face, as well as all the factors, which I know, cast shadow on our ability to reach the Paris Agreement goals and to protect our planet from a future in which temperature increase reaches 2.5° C and 3° C, there is evidence that make us hold on to hope in humanity's ability to make a better future for generations to come. Generations that must not bear the consequences of mistakes they have not made. Peoples who have become more aware and knowledgeable of the scale of the challenges and the requirements to address them, and the high price of inaction. There is also hope in governments that know what they need to do and seek to do that according to their capabilities and hope in a global business sector and civil society that own the tools that qualify them to play important roles within this framework.
In Egypt, we have set ambitious goals expressed in Egypt’s National Strategy to Address Climate Change. We are working diligently to accelerate the pace of green transformation by expanding reliance on renewable energy and clean transport. We have taken concrete steps towards the structural transformation of bills, legislation and government working mechanisms so as to contribute to the promotion of green investments.
Perhaps the national programs for investing in water, energy and food projects (NWFE) that Egypt has recently launched is an embodiment of this ambition and trend. Egypt’s transition towards a low-emission green economy in all areas is a practical demonstration for the need for effective implementation on the ground and is a good example that hope still exists to overcome the challenges imposed by climate change, if there is will and determination.
You probably agree with me that if we truly want to walk into a future where we ensure that temperatures remain below 2 °C and if we are truly determined to create a future for all by all, it is my duty to honestly share a few concerns that we should not overlook. Our ability as an international community to move ahead in a unified and coordinated manner to implement our commitments and pledges in accordance with the Paris Agreement is contingent on the level of trust we are able to build among us.
It is, therefore, necessary for developing countries, especially in our African continent, to feel that their priorities are addressed and taken into consideration. These countries bear their responsibilities, to the best of their abilities and the amount of appropriate support and finance, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, granting them some satisfaction with their position on global efforts to combat climate change.
This will only materialize by building mutual trust to motivate and support more constructive work. Also, it will not materialize without developed countries taking additional serious steps to fulfill the pledges they have taken upon themselves to finance and support adaptation efforts and address the losses and damages resulting from climate change in developing and the least developed countries. This shall take place in a manner that ensures the formulation of practical tracks to achieve a balanced transition towards a green economy and takes into account the special circumstances and conditions of these countries.
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Your presence here today is a confirmation of the attention you accord to climate change action, which I hope will reflect on the alignment of your countries’ positions with the title of the summit: Implementation.
Today, I appeal for your messages to the world, which is highly expecting of us, to be clear messages, including specific steps to implement commitments and pledges.
I suggest announcing more nationally determined contributions, raising the ambition of your strategies to reduce emissions, launching ambitious and effective initiatives that gather proactive actors around clear goals with regard to adaptation and financing, following-up on the implementation of previously launched initiatives and joining the new ones, which Egypt intends to launch during the conference.
Most importantly, I ask you to advise your negotiators, who will start two weeks of important negotiations, to be flexible and to work on building trust and consensus in order to reach outcomes, which I am certain that you, world leaders, want this conference to result in.
The hope I share with you today is not merely wishful, but rather one driven by the ability to work and act. Many of our countries have been able, over the past year, to provide bright examples of this work and this ability, advancing forward with the implementation of their commitments, despite all difficulties. From here, I call on you to follow these models and not allow any factors to undermine our resolve and ability to combat the challenge of climate change, which will not recede nor stop without our intervention.
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Time is pressing and the end of this decade is a few years away. We have to make the best of these years to win this battle in a way that we want and are satisfied with.
Now is the time for action and implementation. There is no room to retreat or use challenges as pretexts to justify that. Missing the opportunity means squandering the legacy of future generations; our children and grandchildren.
I have confidence in your wisdom, in your understanding of this crucial moment in the life of our planet. I know that we all measure up to the responsibility entrusted to us. Let us now move together towards implementation and nothing but implementation.
Thank you
I wish all of us a successful conference
May the Peace of Allah be Upon You
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Prime Minister of Italy, Mrs. Giorgia Meloni, on the sidelines of the COP27 World Climate Summit.
President El-Sisi welcomed the Italian Prime Minister’s visit and her participation in the Climate Summit. The President congratulated her once again on assuming her post recently, expressing his appreciation for the extended bilateral relations between the two countries. He looked forward to Prime Minister Meloni’s visit to Egypt to give new impetus for developing these relations, which are based on deep historical ties with political, economic, security and cultural dimensions.
The Italian Prime Minister affirmed her country's mutual keenness to strengthen bilateral cooperation with Egypt, which would open up prospects for construction and achieve the common interests of the two friendly countries and peoples. Prime Minister Meloni stressed that for Italy and the European continent Egypt represented a pivotal pillar for security and stability in the Middle East and the Mediterranean Basin.
The meeting focused on ways to develop economic, trade and investment relations, in addition to joint industrial cooperation with Italy. Joint cooperation in the file of energy security was also discussed. It is considered one of the most important paths of partnership between the two sides during the past years, particularly through the partnership with Eni company in the field of natural gas. The talks also touched on the possibility of implementing electricity interconnection with Italy, to capitalize on the rich and diverse capabilities in Egypt, which will contribute to addressing the challenge in Europe and most world countries to deal with the energy crisis.
Visions were also exchanged regarding coordinating efforts between Italy and Egypt as a leading partner of the European Union in the fight against illegal immigration. The Italian Prime Minister commended Egypt’s efforts in this regard, which contributed to preventing the departure of any illegal immigration boat from Egyptian coasts since 2016. President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's readiness to cooperate with the relevant Italian agencies in this regard, based on Egypt's full commitment to combating this phenomenon.
The meeting tackled the latest developments in issues related to Mediterranean security, mainly the Libyan file. The two sides agreed on the need to work to preserve the unity and sovereignty of Libya, and push for holding presidential and parliamentary elections, preserving national Libyan institutions, and strengthening the role of security authorities in combating terrorism.
The talks also touched on the issue of the Italian student "Regeni ", and cooperation in order to reach the truth and achieve justice.
“In the name of Allah the Most Benevolent, the Most Merciful"
My Brother, Your Royal Highness, Prince Mohammed bin Salman..
Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
First of all, I would like to welcome you in Egypt, in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh, which hosts the “Climate Implementation Summit”, and, over the coming two weeks, the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27) to The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which we hope will result in comprehensive and robust outcomes that will contribute to strengthening international climate action across all levels.
In fact, a few months ago when an idea was proposed to HRH the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to convene the second summit of the Middle East Green Initiative here in Sharm El-Sheikh, in conjunction with the Climate Summit and as one of its activities, I believed that it would be a good opportunity to shed more light on this significant initiative. The launch of this initiative, around a year ago, came to address one of the necessary aspects in climate action in our Arab world and in the Middle East region, which both suffer more than anywhere else from the negative impacts of climate change on the quality of agricultural land, the fertility of its soil, in addition to the steady rise of temperature, water scarcity and drought.
The large number of countries which joined this initiative since its launch, might be testimony to the seriousness our countries in the Arab region accord to efforts to combat climate change, either in terms of reducing emissions and the transition to renewable energy or in taking vigorous measures to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. The two aspects constitute the core of this initiative. In Egypt, for example, we were able to take broad steps toward the transition to renewable energy, either solar, wind or hydrogen energy. Currently, we are launching ambitious projects in the area of clean transport.
With regard to adaptation, Egypt has succeeded to achieve tangible successes in the sustainable management of water resources. The document of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which was updated in accordance with the Paris Agreement, includes a number of ambitious goals for adaptation in the sectors of agriculture, the protection of coastal areas and sustainable urban development.
And just like Egypt, all countries in our Arab region are exerting similar efforts in this context. Our region’s hosting of the Conference of the Parties(COP27) to the UNFCCC this year in Egypt, and next year in the United Arab Emirates, is good proof of the role our countries have assumed at the level of international climate action and their commitment to the implementation of climate pledges.
Your Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses,
Despite the economic challenges facing all countries in the world today, the international political tension ensuing from the Ukrainian crisis, as well as other challenges, our conference today represents an opportunity for leaders of the world, economic sectors, major international financial institutions and other partners to join these efforts toward a common undisputable goal, namely the inevitability to act urgently, promptly, and effectively to counter the challenge of climate change. Everybody acknowledges that time is not on our side. Gaps in reducing emissions, in adaptation measures, and in providing mechanisms and means for implementation, primarily climate fund, need swift action and executive measures on the ground. Therefore, we are confident that all participants in our conference this year in Sharm El-Sheikh realize the weight of responsibility they shoulder and the amount of expectations our societies everywhere hope to be fulfilled in the outcomes emanating from the conference.
For our part, as chair of the Conference of the Parties, we spared no effort to provide all requirements to convene the conference, in terms of organization and procedures, to ensure the broadest participation possible by all governmental and non-governmental parties. We have exerted all efforts, and we still do, to bridge the gap between points of view on all contentious issues to help the various parties reach a point of convergence and consensus, which will allow the conference to come up with effective and practical outcomes, that live up to the ambitions and expectations of the peoples around the globe.
In connection with the above-mentioned and with Egypt’s constant confirmation that it is time to move to the phase of implementation on the ground, the Middle East Green Initiative represents a perfect opportunity to cultivate closer cooperation among its member states, with the aim of mobilizing more investments and provide new mechanisms for innovative financing to support our countries’ projects to address climate change, in coordination with Arab and regional financial institutions that assume an important role in this regard. The initiative also represents an appropriate framework to boost technical cooperation and connect research centers in member states to achieve integration among the research and applied programs related to climate change technology.
Therefore, I invite you today, during our meeting, to put forward innovative ideas and constructive proposals that would contribute to bolstering climate action in our countries in the context of the principle of “implementation”, around which we are gathered.
I am confident that our meeting today will come up with results that will demonstrate our rigorous commitment to climate action across all levels for the benefit of the coming generations of the Arab region and the entire world.
Thank you
Once again I would like to thank HRH and I look forward to fruitful and effective discussions.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met in Sharm El-Sheikh with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak , on the sidelines of the COP27 meetings.
The Spokesman for the Presidency said the President welcomed the British Prime Minister's visit to Egypt, being his first foreign visit.The President congratulated Mr. Sunak once again for assuming his role as prime minister and expressed that Egypt looked forward to optimising bilateral cooperation in the coming period, enhancing political coordination and exchanging views on various issues of common interest.
The British prime minister expressed his appreciation for Egypt's successful and distinguished organization of the global climate summit. He also valued the close ties between Egypt and Britain and the unprecedented momentum that bilateral relations have gained over the past years, particularly at the level of economic and trade relations. Mr. Sunak confirmed that Egypt is one of Britain's most important partners in the Middle East, acting as the cornerstone for stability and security in the region.
The meeting also touched on the two countries' joint efforts to support and strengthen climate action at the regional and international levels, as well as ways and prospects to bolster bilateral cooperation at various levels and take advantage of the capabilities available of both sides in this regard. Both sides agreed to continue to enhance mutual and constructive dialogue between the two countries in the coming period.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with French President Emmanuel Macron, on the sidelines of the COP 27 meetings.
President El-Sisi welcomed the French President's visit to Egypt and lauded the development of bilateral relations in all fields. The President expressed that Egypt looked forward to enhancing political coordination and exchanging views with France on various regional and international issues of common interest, particularly issues related to food and energy security, as well as the sectors in which France has an advantage, such as transportation and electric car industry.
French President Macron expressed his country's appreciation to Egypt, praising the close ties and deep friendship that bind Egypt and France. He also lauded the unprecedented momentum that bilateral relations have gained recently in various fields, especially at the level of economic and trade relations.
The French president also noted Egypt's remarkable success in organizing a huge global event of the scale of the climate summit and stressed his country's keenness to intensively coordinate and consult with Egypt, being one of its most important partners in the region. He also valued Egypt's role in laying the foundations for stability in the Middle East, Mediterranean region and Africa.
The Spokesman added that the two presidents tackled a number of regional and international issues of common interest, especially the developments in Libya and the Russian -Ukrainian crisis.
“In the name of Allah the Most Benevolent, the Most Merciful"
Your Excellency President Nicos Anastasiades,
President of Cyprus,
Your Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses
It is my pleasure to welcome you today in this important session, which is held in partnership between Egypt and Cyprus. In this regard, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for my dear friend, President Nicos Anastasiades, President of Cyprus, for his initiative to convene this session during the “Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit”. This stems from his keenness for our summit to result in outcomes that reinforce the principle of “Implementation”, around which we are gathered.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Egypt was keen on joining the "The Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East Climate Change Initiative" since its launch for the first time in 2019, based on its belief in the important role this initiative could have. It was part of efforts to coordinate policies to address climate change among the initiative’s member states, so as to contribute to enhancing climate action and strengthen efforts to counter its negative impacts in our regional milieu. The region, as you know, is among the areas most affected by the consequences of climate change and its devastating effects on all levels. This has become tangibly clear over the past few years, which have witnessed severe climatic events in the region, ranging from wildfires, to floods and torrents, which left formidable human and material losses.
You may agree with me that voluntary initiatives to mobilize support for efforts to combat climate change have become one of the most important mechanisms for global climate action, particularly as it has become clear that in spite of the primary responsibility of states and governments in this effort, other non-state actors could and even should play complementary and supportive roles based on their responsibilities and the principle of cooperation and participation. Therefore, these initiatives are important as they allow all parties to coordinate their policies and efforts.
In fact, what distinguishes this initiative from other initiatives and efforts, is its scientific component, which is an indispensable element if we seek our efforts to combat climate change to be consistent with the best science available. This places us on the right path toward the implementation of the Paris Agreement goals, including the target of 1.5 ° C.
Ladies and gentlemen,
During our meeting, I look forward to learning about what the initiative has been able to achieve since its launch until today. This includes the proposed Regional Action Plan, which I am confident will contribute to strengthening our joint efforts to address climate change in the region. I also look forward to hearing from the various experiences and expertise of the initiative's member states with regard to their efforts to address climate change at the national and regional levels.
I believe that we will emerge from today's discussion with a more profound understanding of the magnitude of the challenge our states are facing and the amount of effort needed for us to counter it.
Thank you for listening
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Thank you all for this rich dialogue and constructive debate which confirm that climate action has become a priority in our countries. I would also like to express my admiration for the steps that have already been taken under the initiative and its ambitious regional action plan that is consistent with the principle of “implementation”, on which we are focusing at the climate summit this year.
Egypt is pleased to work, during the coming period, with all member states of the initiative to ensure that the action plan is implemented in a comprehensive manner. This action plan would contribute to making our countries more capable of facing climate change and adapting to its negative effects, based on sound science, in our belief that there is no other way other than science and diligent work to overcome the challenges facing our world today and our region at the heart of it.
Thank you. I am confident that you all are aware of the importance of continuing the hard work to implement pledges and commitments on climate. I wish you a fruitful participation in the rest of the events of our summit and a pleasant stay in Sharm El-Sheikh, the charming city.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
Honorable Chancellor Olaf Scholz,
The Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany,
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses,
At the outset, I would like to thank you for being here today at this important meeting. I would also like to thank His Excellency Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor of Germany, for co-chairing this round-table which discusses one of the most important issues on confronting climate change, if not the most important of all: investing in the future of energy, specifically in green hydrogen.
You would agree with me that "green hydrogen" has probably become the most commonly used term in the past few years in the context of making a shift to renewable energy and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. This comes at a time particularly when the energy crisis that the world is currently going through is imposing on us all a real challenge in securing energy supply which our countries need, thus avoiding breaching duties with regard to facing the global climate crisis or falling short of the goals we agreed upon and the national policies through which we contribute to this effort. And here comes the green hydrogen as one of the most prominent solutions, in terms of making a shift to green economy in the coming years. It represents a real opportunity for economic development that is compatible with efforts to confront climate change and the Paris Agreement goals.
In fact, many countries have already begun to take serious steps in this direction, whether through formulating national hydrogen policies or setting ambitious time-bound goals for the gradual transition to green hydrogen, as a main source of energy, either through local production, import or both. Egypt was one of the first of these countries that have realized early on the opportunities available in this field, based on its huge potential in the production of clean energy. This, in turn, would enable it to become a global hub for green hydrogen production in the medium and long term.
As part of the practical translation of this and as a living example of the principle of "implementation"- the theme which we are meeting under- I am launching today, with the Honorable Prime Minister of Norway, the first phase of the project of constructing a green hydrogen plant with a capacity of 100 megawatts in " Ain Sokhna". It is a practical model for the stimulating investment partnership for sustainable economic development that is based, in addition to the governments’ role, on the national and foreign private sector to work hand in hand in this fruitful sector. Today, we’ll have the opportunity to get acquainted with all aspects of this project from the companies implementing it which are participating with us in this dialogue.
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses,
We have agreed that frankness and openness are the only means to move forward toward our common goals in a coordinated manner.
And so, allow me to convey to you some of our concerns here in Egypt and in other friendly developing countries:
First: Despite the opportunities that the hydrogen sector provides which are being already conveyed into projects in many countries, the share of developing countries of the suggested projects does not exceed more than two projects from about 680 suggested ones in the hydrogen sector worldwide, according to the International Energy Agency. It is, thus, clear that developing countries remain the least to benefit from the opportunities represented by the shift to green hydrogen at an accelerated pace. This is due to their weak technological capabilities in this new field and the lack of the infrastructure needed for transfer and storage and supply chains creation which are necessary for safe trading. This is in addition to the weak funding flows and lack of sustainable investments that are directed to them.
Second: Even in the few cases in which the developing countries could take a steady step in this field, Egypt, as an example, still has to face the challenges resulting from the fact that some countries support local green hydrogen producers, in a way that reduces their production cost. This causes imbalance in the global market of hydrogen and contributes to undermining competitiveness with regard to green hydrogen produced in developing countries, compared to their counterparts in the developed countries. Furthermore, there are technical challenges associated with the criteria and requirements for hydrogen trade and the identification of its sources, which must be flexible while maintaining the principles of transparency.
Your Majesties, Your Excellencies, Your Highnesses,
I raise these concerns to you for I am positive that our dialogue today has to come up with clear operational steps, on which we all agree, to reach mechanisms and effective solutions that drive us toward achieving our common goals in energy transformation. On this basis and in line with the principle of “implementation” on which we are focusing at this summit, allow me to announce a new initiative Egypt and Belgium have worked on over the past months in coordination with a number of partners.
In partnership with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr. Alexander De Croo, I am pleased to announce today the launch of the Global Renewable Hydrogen Forum, which aims at establishing a permanent platform for dialogue between hydrogen-producing countries and hydrogen-consuming countries and the private sector, organizations and financial institutions operating in this field. The dialogue’s main objective is to coordinate policies and procedures and create paths for trade and investment in hydrogen, thus contributing to accelerating the pace of the just transition we aspire to have.
In conclusion, since this round-table brings together some of the largest hydrogen-producing and hydrogen-consuming countries and heads of organizations and companies operating in this sector, I look forward to a meaningful, fruitful and constructive discussion in which we listen to different approaches and opinions and learn about the best practices and accumulated experiences. I am confident that, today, our discussions will result in further understanding of the nature of the issue and greater awareness of the scale of work which we have to accomplish in this regard to meet our aspirations.
Thank you.
I look forward to our extended discussion.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between Egypt and the UAE for the development of a measurement project, pertaining to the establishment of the 10-gigawatt (GW) onshore wind power mega-project in Egypt. The signing took place on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh.
President El-Sisi welcomed the German Chancellor in Egypt, lauding the progress in Egyptian-German bilateral relations, across all political, economic, social and military fields. The President confirmed that this reflected on the rate and intensity of the exchange of visits between senior officials from both countries, notably the President’s recent visit to Berlin last July. President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt seeks to bolster joint cooperation and strengthen political coordination with Germany in the coming period.
Chancellor Scholz expressed sincere appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality he received. He also voiced his huge admiration of Egypt’s outstanding organization of the World Climate Summit, and valued the firm bonds between Egypt and Germany as well as the remarkable momentum in the two countries’ relations over the past years, particularly in economic and trade relations. The German Chancellor emphasized that Germany considers Egypt a key partner in cooperation and in efforts to address common challenges.
President El-Sisi said he looks forward to Germany enhancing its contributions to the priorities of Egypt’s development plans in various fields, by increasing German investments. He highlighted in particular the sectors of the localization of the industry, energy including green hydrogen, tourism, technical education and vocational training, given the promising opportunities provided by mega national projects nationwide. Chancellor Scholz underscored Germany’s commitment to supporting Egypt’s ambitious measures, which aim at achieving comprehensive development, notably by increasing investments, sharing expertise, and transferring technology, in addition to the localization of the German industry.
The meeting also discussed the latest developments in a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, in addition to joint efforts to enhance and promote climate action at the international level.
“In the name of Allah the Most Benevolent, the Most Merciful"
Your Excellency, Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre,
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me pleasure and honor to join you in the inauguration of the first phase of the first project for the production of green hydrogen in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit.
I would like to seize this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for Prime Minister of Norway, Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, and laud Norway’s leading role in countering climate change and dealing with its impacts, which is demonstrated in its political commitment, at the highest level, to supporting international climate action and promoting equitable transition efforts towards a green economy.
This is demonstrated by our meeting today to inaugurate the first phase of the green hydrogen production project, which represents an opportunity for consultation and coordination among a wide range of active states, in efforts to counter climate change and mobilize international consensus at the political level, on various topics negotiated during the conferences of the parties (COP).
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In view of the accelerated global interest in renewable energies and in improving electricity generation technologies from renewable sources of energy, that coincided with the growing global interest in climate change and rising fossil fuel prices, and as part of efforts to benefit from Egypt's natural wealth, particularly renewable energy sources, Egypt, in 2016, adopted the Integrated and Sustainable Energy Strategy until 2035. The strategy stipulates increasing the supply of electricity generated from renewable energy to 42% by 2035. The Integrated and Sustainable Energy Strategy in Egypt has been aligned with the Sustainable Development Strategy "Egypt Vision 2030", the "National Climate Change Strategy 2050" and "The 17 United Nations Goals for Sustainable Development".
The mega project to produce green hydrogen in the Economic Zone of the Suez Canal, which is considered one of the most important geographical locations worldwide, will enables us to export green hydrogen easily to Europe and the various continents.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Egypt has taken numerous measures to enhance the utilization of the enormous potential of renewable energies it possesses. This is done by encouraging the private sector to invest in the construction, ownership and operation of electricity generation plants and in the selling of electricity, generated from solar and wind energy. The Egyptian State is also keen on overcoming any obstacles impeding these investments and on drafting a roadmap to increase the size and scope of these investments in the years ahead.
The private sector has now great confidence in Egypt's investment climate and I would like to tell you: Many projects are being implemented in the field of electricity production from wind and solar energy, which demonstrates the ability of renewable energy to attract foreign direct investment. It also underscores the role of the national institutions in creating an investment climate with low risks and positive interaction with financial institutions and development partners.
There is no doubt that electricity interconnections and energy trade play a significant role in enhancing energy security. Therefore, Egypt actively participates in all regional electricity interconnection projects and electricity markets. The electricity interconnection line project between Egypt and Greece is under construction, as Egypt will act as an energy bridge between Africa and Europe.
It is worth mentioning that the electricity interconnections between Africa and Europe will accommodate the huge electrical energies that will be produced from renewable energy sources in Africa. Egypt is keen on supporting the African countries’ efforts to access clean energy from renewable sources, particularly as many African countries have numerous unutilized sources of renewable energy. Egypt is expected to be one of the main hubs for transferring clean electric energy to Europe.
Ladies and gentlemen,
All of these efforts highlight Egypt's early endeavor to take effective steps to transform into a sustainable development model that is consistent with efforts to protect the environment and address climate change. This is not only because it believes in the right of its children and current generations to have a better future, but also due to its awareness of what the green transformation represents as a promising opportunity to achieve economic development in numerous vital sectors.
In conclusion, I would like to thank you once again, and stress that Egypt will spare no effort to encourage investments in green energy and green fuel projects, as the green transformation represents a promising opportunity to achieve economic development in Egypt. We also appreciate all efforts exerted to ensure that COP27 World Climate Summit achieves successful recommendations capable of demonstrating the international community's unity against an existential threat that we can only overcome through collective action and effective implementation.
Thank you,
May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon you
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with the President of Tanzania, Samia Hassan, in Sharm El-Sheikh, on the sidelines of the COP 27 meetings.
President El-Sisi welcomed his Tanzanian counterpart. The President also offered his condolences to the government and people of Tanzania for the victims of the plane that crashed into Lake Victoria, asking Allah Almighty to grant solace to their families.
President El-Sisi asserted the vital role that Tanzania plays, as one of the active countries in Africa, as well as its efforts to enhance security and stability in the continent. The President also stressed the strong historical relations that the two peoples and countries share, and Egypt’s keenness to strengthen them at all levels, particularly the Egyptian investments in vital sectors mainly the construction of the Julius Nyerere Dam to generate hydroelectric power, which Egypt relies on to give strong impetus to development in Tanzania.
The Tanzanian president expressed her sincere appreciation for the President’s condolences. She confirmed the deep and close relations between the two countries and looked forward to advancing cooperation with Egypt in all fields, in light of the pivotal role it plays regionally. She noted the broad prospects for developing cooperation between the two countries in many fields, especially at the economic level, and expressed appreciation for the technical support that Egypt provides to her country in the field of capacity building over the past years. This is while lauding the activities of Egyptian companies in Tanzania and their contribution to development efforts, especially within the framework of the Julius Nyerere Dam, which Tanzania considers one of the country's major vital projects.
President Hassan also extended her sincere congratulations and appreciation for the President on the occasion of Egypt's successful organization of the global climate summit, considering it a historic success for Egypt and the entire African continent.
The two presidents touched on ways to advance bilateral relations and reviewed the latest developments in the African continent, as well as efforts to combat terrorism, being one of the biggest challenges that Africa faces. The two presidents welcomed alignment in views on various political issues as well as on the importance of enhancing integration among African countries, especially in the economic and trade fields, and developing the infrastructure.
Talks also touched on the Nile water file. There was agreement to support the development path of the Nile Basin countries and efforts to strengthen relations among them in all development fields.
President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with President of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye, on the sidelines of the World Climate Summit COP27, in Sharm El-Sheikh.
President El-Sisi welcomed President Ndayishimiye in Egypt, stressing Egypt's determination to continue providing all aspects of support to Burundi, which shares historical relations with Egypt. President El-Sisi emphasized that Egypt looks forward to promoting the level of bilateral political coordination and consultation between the two countries.
President Ndayishimiye lauded Egypt’s successful organization of the World Climate Summit, and commended the outstanding brotherly relations and fraternal bonds between the two countries. He affirmed his keenness on further strengthening these relations at all levels, particularly in the various developmental and technical fields, in parallel with advancing the level of political relations and boosting the mechanisms of consultation and coordination in various areas.
The meeting discussed ways to step-up joint cooperation across all levels. The Burundian President lauded Egypt’s unlimited support to maintain stability in Burundi, as well as its relentless support in all regional and international fora. President El-Sisi valued Burundi's supportive stance for Egypt with regard to issues of the Nile water dossier.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inspected, on a bike ride, the environmentally-friendly Green Zone in Sharm Sheikh where many events take place during the World Climate Summit. The President also met some of the youth and foreigners participating in the summit.
On his bike ride this morning in Sharm El-Sheikh, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met a Swedish climate change activist. She set off on a 7000-km, 4-month cycle from Sweden to participate in COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh.
“The European Union and Egypt reaffirm their determination to combat climate change and environmental degradation, while fostering sustainable development, energy security and a balanced and just green transition.
In particular, the EU and Egypt reiterate their commitment to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and keeping a 1.5 degrees Celsius limit on temperature rise within reach, including through a rapid energy transition based on the expansion of renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency.
We jointly view renewable hydrogen as a key contributor to reducing emissions and ensuring energy security, while representing an opportunity for industrial cooperation, sustainable economic growth and job creation.
We are engaging in establishing a long-term partnership on renewable hydrogen that will enable us to accelerate the decarbonisation of our energy systems through the development, deployment, use and undistorted trade of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.
The EU and Egypt will take the measures necessary to accelerate the deployment of renewable power generation as critical enabler of the production of renewable hydrogen and an essential element of the transition towards decarbonised energy systems. We intend to facilitate and promote investments for boosting the production, storage, distribution and transport of renewable hydrogen and its derivatives.
We are also intensifying our cooperation on policy and regulatory frameworks, market assessment, research and innovation to facilitate the development of an hydrogen economy. Particular attention will be paid to carefully assess and integrate potential environmental concerns in the design and implementation of policies promoting the renewable hydrogen industry, in particular as regards the use of water.
We intend to facilitate access to finance and foster investment all along the renewable hydrogen value chain, including through de-risking mechanisms, cooperation with the private sector and development of pipelines of viable investment projects.
To achieve these objectives, we will bring together representatives of the concerned industrial sectors, regulatory authorities, financial institutions and experts to facilitate policy development and industrial cooperation. Bringing on all stake-holders will help accelerate the implementation of projects on the ground and increase the use of renewable hydrogen. We jointly welcome all endeavours in this regard, including efforts at COP27. A Memorandum of Understanding laying out the pillars of EU-Egypt cooperation on renewable hydrogen will be signed on the margins of COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh, reinforcing the ongoing bilateral cooperation on green transition in line with the EU-Egypt Association Agreement, the EU Global Gateway, the EU Agenda for the Mediterranean and its Economic and Investment Plan, and the EU-Egypt Partnership Priorities.
We see this EU- Egypt Memorandum of Understanding as a central block in the building of an EU-Mediterranean Renewable Hydrogen Partnership.” (The European Commission)
"The President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr. Abdel Fattah El Sisi, and the Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Alexander De Croo, announced the launch of the “Global Renewable Hydrogen Forum” during the High-Level Roundtable on “Investing in the future of Energy: Green Hydrogen” in the margins of the Sharm El Sheikh Climate Implementation Summit at COP27.
Egypt and Belgium, as Co-sponsors, announced the launch of the “Global Renewable Hydrogen Forum” during the High-Level Roundtable on “Investing in the future of Energy “Green Hydrogen” that took place as part of the World Leaders Segment at COP27.
Heads of States, principals representing different intergovernmental institutions, and private sector participating in the roundtable welcomed the launch of the initiative, and commended all efforts to advance the development of the green hydrogen value chain across the globe.
The Global Renewable Hydrogen Forum constitutes a multi-stakeholder platform, bringing together public authorities, the private sector, port authorities, intergovernmental organizations, designed to facilitate large-scale deployment of renewable hydrogen to foster decarbonisation of local industries, accelerate just transition and unlock the environmental and socio-economic benefits of the global hydrogen economy, and to identify the best instruments enabling the cross-border trade of renewable hydrogen.
The initiative builds on and harmonizes the existing green hydrogen initiatives in order to:
IRENA, UNIDO, The Hydrogen Council and Green Climate Fund are main partners of the initiative." (premier.be)
In Sharm El-Sheikh, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Ms. Nancy Pelosi and her accompanying delegation, on the sidelines of COP27.
President El-Sisi had a one-on-one meeting with Ms. Pelosi, which was followed by extensive discussions in which her accompanying delegation took part.
President El-Sisi welcomed Ms. Pelosi and her accompanying delegation to Egypt, stressing the strategic, long-standing relations between Egypt and the United States and Egypt’s keenness to strengthen them in all their aspects.
The importance of coordinated efforts has been emphasized, given the turbulent conditions in the region and the escalating challenges they bring about. On top of these challenges are instability, terrorism, as well as the negative repercussions on economy, energy and food security due to many successive global crises, especially the coronavirus and Russian-Ukrainian crisis. These challenges call for solidarity for these repercussions to be confronted.
In this regard, the President affirmed his keenness to communicate with the leaders of the Congress on a regular basis to ensure coordination and consultation between the two friendly countries on various issues of common interest. His Excellency discussed the efforts made by Egypt regarding the fight against terrorism and extremist ideology, stressing that Egypt is making further efforts to eradicate extremist ideology that leads to violence, destruction, sabotage and the demolition of states.
On her part, Ms. Pelosi congratulated President El-Sisi on the outstanding organization of the World Climate Summit, praising the deep, joint cooperation between the two friendly countries. She stressed the great importance that the United States attaches to relations with Egypt, noting that Egypt is a pillar of security and stability in the Middle East and the Arab world and a pivotal partner to the United States in the region. She expressed her appreciation for Egypt’s successful and effective role under the leadership of the President in combating terrorism and extremist ideology, reforming religious discourse and enshrining noble concepts and values such as freedom of belief, tolerance and acceptance of the other. She also commended the great efforts made in Egypt to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development for the benefit of citizens.
There was an open dialogue between the President and members of the American delegation. The members of the delegation were keen to listen to the President’s assessments on various regional and international issues, especially regarding the efforts made to combat terrorism over the past years in Egypt and the developments of the various existing crises in the region, particularly in Libya, Yemen and Syria.
Moreover, Egypt’s unremitting efforts to reach political settlements to these issues were also discussed. President El-Sisi stressed that the solution to these issues revolves around ending foreign interference and the presence of armed militias and extremist groups, in parallel with supporting the concept of the state and its institutions, central governments and national armies.
In response to the inquiries of some members of the delegation, the President explained the current situation of the Renaissance Dam issue. He stressed his firm position on reaching a legally-binding agreement on the filling and operation of the dam in order to achieve the interest of all parties and preserve Egypt’s water security.
The meeting also discussed the developments of the question of Palestine. Ms. Pelosi praised the Egyptian efforts in support of the peace process that aim to maintain calm between the two sides. The President affirmed Egypt's firm position in this regard: reaching a just and comprehensive solution that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people according to international references, thus opening up prospects for peaceful coexistence and cooperation among all the peoples of the region.
They also discussed ways to promote bilateral relations between the two countries in a range of areas, especially at the political, military and economic levels. The President also reviewed the efforts made by the Egyptian state to advance development and modernize infrastructure and steps taken toward comprehensive economic reform and sustainable development.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with US President Joe Biden in Sharm El-Sheikh, on the sidelines of COP27.
President El-Sisi welcomed President Biden's visit to Egypt and affirmed the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries and its pivotal role in supporting security and stability in the Middle East. The President looked forward to strengthening coordination and consultation between the two sides on various political, security and regional issues, as well as continuing to promote and strengthen this partnership across various fields of cooperation within the framework of mutual respect and common interest.
President Biden valued the strong and deep Egyptian-US relations and confirmed that the US considers Egypt a strong and reliable friend and ally in the region. He looked forward to intensifying coordination and consultation on all regional and international issues, in light of Egypt's political leverage and balanced role within its regional surrounding, in addition to its contributions, under the leadership of President El-Sisi, to achieve stability for all the peoples of the region.
The meeting touched on developments pertinent to the Palestinian issue. The US President valued Egypt's tireless and significant efforts in this context, including maintaining calm between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's unwavering position on reaching a just and comprehensive solution that ensures the rights of the Palestinian people, according to the international references.
The meeting also tackled combating terrorism and extremism. President El-Sisi stressed the firm will of the state, government and people to continue diligent efforts to confront this scourge and undermine its security and ideological threats. For his part, President Biden praised the success of the decisive Egyptian efforts in this regard and the burdens borne under the leadership of the President to combat terrorism and extremism. He expressed the support of the US administration for these efforts and asserted that Egypt is a key partner in confronting the challenge of transnational terrorism. The Spokesman added that the two presidents exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues, especially the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its negative repercussions worldwide, mainly on the sectors of food and energy. They also discussed developments in Libya, Yemen and Syria. President El-Sisi confirmed that reaching political settlements for these crises is based mainly on consolidating the concept of the nation-state and ending the presence of foreign mercenaries and militias in the region.
The meeting also touched on the issue of the Renaissance Dam. The President affirmed Egypt's adherence to preserving its water security for the current and future generations by reaching a legally binding agreement for filling and operating the dam that guarantees Egypt's water security, in accordance with the principles of international law to achieve the common interests of all parties, and hence the importance of the US role to undertake an influential role in resolving this crisis.
President El-Sisi saw off President Biden, who departed Sharm El-Sheikh after participating in COP27.
All rights reserved to the presidency Copyright © 2020
All rights reserved to the presidency Copyright © 2020