Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, is holding talks in Cairo with senior officials at the start of his tour of the region, which includes Egypt and Lebanon, from September 8 to 12.
The visit comes against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, where the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the fate of the hostages make an urgent ceasefire more important than ever. The visit is part of the EU's ongoing regional engagement to prevent further escalation. According to a statement issued by Borrell's office in Brussels,
According to the visit program, Borrell will hold official meetings in Cairo on Monday, including with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. He will also travel to Rafah (Egyptian side) to hold meetings with representatives of UN agencies on the ground and the Emergency Rescue Committee. The High Representative will also inaugurate an EU-funded project to help children in Gaza and those who care for them in Egypt.
The mediation efforts of Egypt, the United States and Qatar will be at the top of the agenda, as will the role of the European Union in alleviating the humanitarian suffering in the Strip. The two sides will also discuss the regional situation.

On Tuesday, Borrell will meet with Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati and will hold a press conference following the meeting. He will also attend a ministerial meeting of the League of Arab States in Cairo.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the EU High Representative will visit Lebanon, where he will meet - among others - Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri and Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces General Joseph Aoun.

He will also meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib. A press conference is scheduled following the meeting.

The EU’s support for Lebanon’s resilience and stability, as well as its regional role, will be reviewed with a range of local and international stakeholders, including the United Nations.

“The visit will provide an opportunity to discuss all aspects of the situation in and around Gaza and broader political issues with regional leaders, in particular the impact of the conflict on neighbouring countries and their contributions to peace and stability efforts,” the European statement said.