Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, where an official reception ceremony was held.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, said the two Presidents held bilateral talks, and were later joined by the two countries’ delegations in an expanded meeting that was characterized by mutual understanding and an alignment in views. The two Presidents expressed mutual appreciation for the longstanding, historical relations between Egypt and Croatia, which was demonstrated in Egypt’s hosting of thousands of refugees in El-Shatt refugee camp during World War II. They emphasized that the Croatian President’s visit to Egypt reflects the importance the two sides place on their bilateral relations and their shared keenness on promoting them toward broader prospects and a more distinct level, given Egypt’s status as a cornerstone for stability in the Middle East and Mediterranean region, as well as Croatia’s important role within the institutions of the European Union.

President El-Sisi and President Milanović discussed ways to boost and further advance bilateral relations in an array of fields for the benefit of the Egyptian and Croatian peoples. They agreed on increasing the exchange of visits across the various levels so as to foster closer cooperation at all levels, particularly in tourism in light of Croatia’s outstanding experience in this regard, and in investment to strengthen efforts to address challenges imposed by the global economic crisis. The two Presidents also stressed the need to capitalize on the various investment opportunities provided by the development projects which are currently being implemented in Egypt, notably in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. They agreed to increase trade and cooperate to enhance energy security in the Mediterranean basin and Europe.

The meeting tackled a number of dossiers of common interest, including Egypt’s efforts to address the phenomena of illegal immigration and terrorism, which are highly commended and appreciated by all international parties, including the European Union.

The talks also reviewed a number of issues in the Middle East region, primarily the Palestinian issue. President El-Sisi and President Milanović shared a common view with regard to the importance of exerting intensive efforts by the international community to calm the situation and contain the recent tensions between the Palestinians and Israelis. Egypt’s position was also underscored with regard to the need to reach a settlement to the issue, based on the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in line with the resolutions of international legitimacy.

Moreover, the discussions focused on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. President El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s support to giving precedence to dialogue and invigorating all means conducive to calm and to reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, The Arab Republic of Egypt.