BRUSSELS, Oct 22 (KUNA) -- The European Union and Egypt confirmed on Wednesday evening, at the conclusion of the first EU-Egypt Summit held in Brussels, their support for ceasefire in Gaza and reconstruction efforts to bolster regional stability and promote peace and development in the Middle East and Africa.
Emphasizing the pivotal role played by Egypt in maintaining regional security and addressing crises, the summit's joint statement said that the EU and Egypt welcomed the agreement on the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict, put forward through international mediation, and the outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit for Peace held on 13 October, calling on all parties to continue implementing the plan's provisions.
The two sides also expressed deep concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, stressing the need for safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access and the restoration of essential services, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The statement emphasized that ensuring full humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip under the supervision of the United Nations and its agencies, including UNRWA, constitutes a shared priority for both the EU and Egypt.
The EU and Egypt reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace based on the two-State solution, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the New York Declaration.
Furthermore, the statement condemned settler violence and settlement expansion in the West Bank, considering it a violation of international law and an obstacle to the two-State solution, and strongly rejected any attempts at annexation or forced displacement of Palestinians from any part of the occupied territories.
The leaders also highlighted their support for the Palestinian Authority and its reform agenda, including the establishment of a temporary technocratic Palestinian committee to pave the way for uniting the West Bank and Gaza under Palestinian Authority governance.
They stressed that the EU and Egypt are committed to contributing to the reconstruction of Gaza, including through the international reconstruction conference to be hosted by Egypt once a lasting ceasefire is achieved. (end) arn.hb