Sharm el-Sheikh summit is an opportunity to support Arab-European cooperation

Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini stressed the importance of the first summit between the Arab League and the European Union, scheduled for next Sunday in Sharm el-Sheikh, as a historic moment in the relations between the EU and the EU. European Union and the Arab world.

"We must seize the opportunity for the participation of Heads of State, governments and representatives of European and Arab countries to promote understanding and cooperation between the Arab world and Europe, to discuss matters of mutual interest and correct misconceptions that are false to them, "he said.

The Middle East news agency on Thursday granted a special interview to the Slovak Prime Minister, who will lead his delegation to the Arab-European summit, and expressed hope that the summit would pave the way for closer cooperation in a major number of closer ties to share experiences, bring peace and stability, ensure security and promote economic, social and technological development, highlighting his determination to work tirelessly with his Egyptian and Arab partners.

In response to a question on the issues to be addressed at the summit, he said: "Enhanced regional cooperation is essential to finding solutions to the current challenges facing European and Arab countries.The summit is a forum for discussion on strategic, political and institutional cooperation ", stressing that there can be no development without peace and security. We engage in strategic dialogue, particularly in the areas of crisis management, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, arms control, transnational organized crime and migration, which requires enhanced cooperation in this regard between the EU and the League of Arab States.

He added that the next summit would examine ways to strengthen economic cooperation between Arab and European countries, focusing on trade relations and investments in infrastructure and energy, including energy. renewable energy, as well as climate change and sustainable development, which should lead to ecological transformation. Slovakia hoped that the European Union and the League of Arab States would unite to mobilize public and private funds for climate and water initiatives.

In response to a question on how to resolve the current Libyan crisis, Pellegrini said the situation in Libya was "complex" and could only be resolved through political dialogue and the conclusion of an agreement that could be accepted by The parties involved.

He stressed the importance of organizing the national conference under the auspices of Ghassan Salama, the UN special envoy to Libya, in addition to the holding of presidential and legislative elections, which are supported the international community and the widespread support of the Libyan people. The electoral process is the only way to stabilize the country. And the unification of state institutions and thus put an end to the process of political transition in the country.

He stressed that the situation in Libya was a vital issue for Egypt, adding that he was in a prime position in the Middle East and North Africa and that his weight could certainly contribute to national reconciliation. between the Libyan parties.

In response to a question about the Syrian crisis, the Slovak Prime Minister said that much had been done in recent years since the liberation of the country, which was under the control of terrorist organizations such as Dahesh and the Nasra Front, but terrorists still control the province of Idlib, The political transition after the end of fighting in many parts of Syria and Syrians trying to rebuild their lives.

"We must take into account the conditions of the UNHCR, a safe, voluntary and dignified return to Syria, including in areas under the control of the Syrian government," he said.

"We have decided not to participate in the reconstruction process in Syria before the start of a real political transition, but that does not mean an attempt to prevent the return of Syrian refugees and we are ready to help s & rsquo; They decide to go home freely, "he said. At the Arab-European Summit of Neighboring Countries, on the structure of their societies and the resilience of their economies to the continued presence of Syrian refugees in their country indefinitely.

He expressed the hope that Sharm el-Sheikh summit participants would find pragmatic and perhaps speedy solutions for the most harmful and weak Syrian citizens, and reaffirmed Slovakia's strong support for revitalization. peace process in the Middle East as soon as possible. On the basis of direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis, mutual recognition and effective security, welcoming in this regard the role of Egypt and declared that his country was an important regional player, indispensable in this process and his tireless efforts in favor of Palestinian reconciliation.

The Slovak Prime Minister stressed that the prerequisite for stability in Palestine was a process of effective reconciliation between the Hamas and Fatah movements, expressing in this respect the appreciation of his government for the role played by Hamas and Fatah. Egypt in the signing of the peace agreement between Hamas and Fatah in October 2017.

Peter Pellegrini said: "The potential for cooperation between the two countries is considerable given the sustainable growth of their economy in recent years," adding that trade between the two countries has risen to 250 million. 39; euros in 2016, but between 2017 and 2018. Witness a slowdown in bilateral trade, which is a temporary phenomenon, will soon return to his time.

He emphasized that energy, water management, agriculture, industry, environmental protection, communication and information technologies, tourism, medicines and health were the most important areas of economic and trade cooperation.

He stressed the importance of reviewing the signed agreements and modernizing them to reflect the changing global reality, stressing that the next Sharm el-Sheikh summit is an opportunity to meet senior Egyptian officials to discuss ways to strengthen the close relations between the two countries.

In addition, the Slovak Prime Minister stated that security, stability and preventive diplomacy were the main priorities of the current OSCE and Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe presidency, stressing that that security and lasting peace are prerequisites for the sustainable economic and social development of any country, so we see the importance of strengthening international and regional cooperation and deriving mutual benefits.