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, Sunday in Sharm el-Sheikh, as a historic moment in the relations between the l & # 39; EU and the Arab world. Support understanding and cooperation between the Arab world and Europe, discuss issues of common interest and correct misconceptions about each other. "

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This is what the Middle East News Agency interviewed on Thursday the Slovak Prime Minister, who will lead his delegation to the Arab-European summit, in which he expressed hope that this summit would pave the way for closer cooperation in a large number of closer ties to share experiences, build peace and stability, ensure security and promote economic, social and technological development, and emphasize its determination to work tirelessly with its Egyptian and Arab partners.

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 will lead us to ecological transformation. Slovak ministers hope that the European Union and the League of Arab States will unite to mobilize public and private funds for climate and water initiatives.

In this regard, he stressed the importance of organizing the National Conference under the auspices of the United Nations Special Envoy for Libya, Ghassan Salama, in addition to holding the presidential and legislative elections. who enjoy the full support of the international community and expect widespread support from the Libyan people. Only to bring stability to the country and unify state institutions and thus end the process of political transition in the country.

He stressed that the situation in Libya was a vital issue for Egypt. "Egypt occupies a position of choice in the Middle East and North Africa and its weight can certainly contribute to national reconciliation between the Libyan parties," he said.

In response to a question about the Syrian crisis, the Slovak Prime Minister said that "much has been done in recent years since the liberation of land controlled by terrorist organizations such as Dahesh and the Nasra Front, but terrorists continue to 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 UNHCR, a safe, voluntary and dignified return to Syria, including in areas under the control of the Syrian government," he added.

"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. Syria's neighboring countries at the Arab-European summit on the structure of their societies and the resilience of their economies to the continued presence of Syrian refugees in their country for an indefinite period.

He hoped that Sharm el-Sheikh summit participants would find pragmatic and perhaps quick solutions to the most harmful and weakest Syrian citizens.

In response to a question on the Palestinian question, he affirmed Slovakia's strong support for the relaunch of the Middle East peace process as soon as possible, as well as the two-state solution based on direct talks between Palestinians and Palestinians. Israelis, mutual recognition and effective security.

"Egypt is an important regional player, indispensable in this process and in its tireless efforts in Palestinian reconciliation," he said.

The Slovak Prime Minister stressed that the prerequisite for stability in Palestine was an effective process of reconciliation between the Hamas and Fatah movements and expressed in this regard 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 opportunities for cooperation between the two countries are many given the sustainable growth of their economy in recent years," he said. Trade between the two countries amounted to 250 million euros in 2016, but slowed down in 2017 and 2018. In bilateral trade, which is a temporary phenomenon, it will return soon to its time.

For his part, the Slovak Prime Minister said that "security, stability and preventive diplomacy are the most important priorities of his current OSCE and OSCE Chairmanship". In this context, security and lasting peace are prerequisites for the sustainable economic and social development of any country. We therefore see the importance of strengthening international, regional and mutually beneficial cooperation.

"In this context, we are working on the prevention and resolution of conflicts and the mitigation of the consequences of existing conflicts." Slovakia, as a responsible and positive member of the international community, is the advocate of An effective multilateral system, "he said, underlining his country's support for genuine regional and international dialogue, commitment and negotiations that could lead to comprehensive political solutions and reduce tensions between states and countries. restore lasting peace and security for all States in the Middle East region.