Egypt, Austria Agree to Address Roots of 'Illegal Immigration'

Arab World

April 28th, 6:47am

Cairo - Asharq Al-Awsat

President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi with the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer (Egyptian Presidency)

Egypt and Austria agreed on Thursday to address the "illegal immigration" issue and its economic and social roots. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi received the Federal Chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer, at al-Ittihadiya Presidential Palace in Cairo, agreeing to intensify bilateral talks to reach a future framework for cooperation in immigration and addressing its economic and social roots. Sisi expressed Egypt's sincere appreciation of its good relations with Austria, which he said it highly values. "These relations have always been based on mutual respect, genuine endeavors to extend bridges of friendship, and a joint commitment to strengthening our political, economic, and cultural bonds," said the President. He explained to the Federal Chancellor the scale of Egypt's efforts to host nine million guests, living on its land and enjoying all essential services available to Egyptian citizens without discrimination or distinction. Sisi noted that as part of Egypt's open dialogue with its partners, he was keen on informing the Federal Chancellor of the severe and persistent steps the authorities took regarding human rights from a comprehensive perspective and an integrated approach. The approach aims to enable Egyptian citizens to exercise their political, economic, and social rights, as stipulated in the Egyptian Constitution, through the National Human Rights Strategy, which the state implements along several axes. "I stressed Egypt's constant readiness to engage in dialogue and constructive cooperation with its partners on this important file." Sisi added that discussions with the Austrian chancellor also focused on boosting the economic exchange between the two countries. "We aim to achieve a remarkable growth in the volume of trade between the two countries and attract more Austrian investments into Egypt, which is traditionally considered one of Austria's key trade and investment partners in the Middle East and Africa, a status that Egypt highly appreciates," said Sisi. The two officials also discussed several other issues, including the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and its negative repercussions on international peace, global energy and food security. The President noted that Least Developed Countries still suffer from the repercussions of this crisis, which added to the "already heavy burden they are enduring as they seek to achieve the requirements of economic progress and sustainable development." The two leaders also discussed the developments in Libya, Palestine, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue, and the latest developments in Sudan. Sisi stressed Egypt's keenness to restore stability in Sudan and preserve the capabilities of its brotherly people. The President said that he agreed with the Austrian Federal Chancellor to work together in the coming period to consolidate and further advance cooperation to reflect the outstanding political relations between the two countries.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/4298981/egypt-austria-agree-address-roots-illegal-immigration