Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, will journey to Egypt and Lebanon from 8 to 12 September.
The visit takes place against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, where the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and the fate of hostages make an urgent truce ever more critical. The mission forms a component of the EU’s continuous regional outreach to stop further escalation.
The HR/VP will be in Cairo for official engagements, including with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. He will also tour Rafah (Egyptian side) for discussions with representatives of the UN agencies on the ground and of the Emergency Rescue Committee (ERC). The HR/VP will also inaugurate an EU-funded scheme to help Gazan children and those who take care of them in Egypt.
What are the EU’s plans for addressing Gaza’s humanitarian needs?
Mediation efforts, launched by Egypt, the US and Qatar, will feature heightened on the agenda, as will the EU’s role in helping human suffering in the Strip. The two sides will also examine the regional situation. The HR/VP will assemble with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The HR/VP will also observe a Ministerial meeting of the League of Arab States in Cairo.
After concluding the tour of Egypt, the HR/VP will be in Lebanon where he will assemble – among others – Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri, and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun. The HR/VP will also have a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib. A press conference is foreseen, and the recording will be available on EBS.
How will Borrell support Lebanon’s stability during the visit?
The EU’s support for Lebanon’s strength and stability, as well as its regional position, will be reviewed with a range of domestic and international stakeholders, including the UN. The mission will be an option to discuss all aspects of the situation in and around Gaza and wider political problems with regional leaders, notably the impact of the battle on neighbouring countries and their respective contributions to peace and stability efforts.
