Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi affirmed that Egypt looks forward to boosting cooperation with the European Union in the fight against terrorism and extremism based on a comprehensive approach.

Sisi headed to Brussels to participate in the sixth European Union-African Union Summit, held on Feb 17 and 18, under the theme “Africa and Europe: Two Continents with a Shared Vision until 2030.”

On the summit’s sidelines, Sisi met with President of the European Council Charles Michel at the Council’s headquarters in Brussels.

Presidential spokesman Ambassador Bassam Rady said that Michel welcomed the first historic visit of the President.

He lauded the outstanding relations between the EU and Egypt, stressing the EU’s interest to further enhance these relations across various levels, particularly in light of Cairo’s status as the link between the Arab and European worlds and its political leverage internationally and regionally.

The President of the European Council lauded Egypt’s commitment to combating illegal migration, reiterating EU’s appreciation for these efforts, mainly as Cairo is seen as a successful model in the region under the Sis’s decisive and wise leadership.

Sisi emphasized that Egypt looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the EU in the fight against terrorism and extremism, in line with a comprehensive approach that addresses the significant root causes of terrorism and extremism.

Sisi also met King Philippe of Belgium at the Royal Palace in Brussels as part of his visit.

King Philippe welcomed the Egyptian President and praised the extended historical relations between the two friendly countries at the official and popular levels, stressing his country’s keenness to develop them in various fields.

Later, Sisi received the CEO of John Cockerill, Jean-Luc Maurange, at the President’s residence in Brussels.

John Cockerill is a Belgian group operating in the field of defense industries.

The President affirmed that Egypt takes pride in the extended and fruitful cooperation with Belgium on various levels.

In this regard, Sisi hoped to promote cooperation between the two friendly countries, especially in light of the company’s distinguished production in defense industries which supports Egypt’s capabilities in this area.