At His Paris Residence, President El-Sisi Meets with Portuguese Prime Minister

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met, at his residence in Paris, today with the Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa.

The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency stated that the President expressed Egypt’s aspiration to continue advancing Egypt-Portugal relations and to promote joint cooperation at all levels.

The President also commended the current Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) and its efforts in support of the African issues. His Excellency expressed his appreciation of the close coordination between the two friendly countries on the regional and international issues of mutual interest.

In this context, the President further stressed the importance of continuing and strengthening the mechanisms of regular and periodic consultation between the two countries.

For his part, the Portuguese Prime Minister expressed his country’s appreciation for the close friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He further affirmed Portugal’s keenness to strengthen these relations in various fields and to support the Egyptian efforts aiming to achieve comprehensive economic development. According to the Portuguese PM, Egypt has become an example and inspiring model for stability and development for the countries in the Middle East and Africa to follow.

Furthermore, PM António Costa expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s efforts to prevent illegal immigration across its coasts and for its hosting of millions of refugees on its territory.

The refugees are granted full rights in Egypt that does not request any support from the international community, which is highly appreciated in Europe.

During the meeting, ways to strengthen bilateral relations in a number of fields, particularly the tourism and trade sectors, were discussed. The President and the Portuguese Prime Minister had a series of consultations on regional developments in light of the great challenges facing the Middle East. Hence, the two sides agreed to continue coordination between the two countries.