Katalin Novák spoke with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi about curbing illegal migration and promoting peace

Illegal migration, the importance of peace and economic issues were among the topics discussed between President of Hungary Katalin Novák and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt on Monday in Cairo. 

Tamás Schanda, Director-General of Sándor Palace and Chief Cabinet Secretary to the President, told the Hungarian state media that at the meeting, the two Presidents reviewed the diplomatic achievements of the past years, the agreements reached in the past and their implementation status, and discussed current and future issues.

Among the topics discussed was the issue of illegal migration, as Egypt is a key player in the region, the Chief Cabinet Secretary stressed, adding that we -  i.e. not just Hungary, but the entire European Union - are counting on Egypt to curb illegal migration.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary said that the Presidents discussed privately for more than an hour and a half, including the issues concerning the war zones in the two countries' neighbourhoods. The Hungarian and Egyptian Presidents noted that it is in the best interest of both countries to establish stability in their respective regions and to restore peace, the Chief Cabinet Secretary stressed.

Regarding economic cooperation between the two countries, Tamás Schanda said that Hungarian companies are present in Egypt, including as a result of a purchase of railway carriages by Egypt of unprecedented dimension. He stressed that Hungary hopes that this can continue in the future and that we can export even more Hungarian transport vehicles to Egypt.

Egypt is a strategic partner for Hungary, a player in the region with a decisive voice regarding the region’s crisis zones, Tamás Schanda pointed out, adding that we are also natural allies, as Egypt and Hungary are united by strategic thinking and their joint work and shared achievements of recent years.

Both Presidents and both countries attach importance to the protection of traditional values, including the family, the Chief Cabinet Secretary said, adding that the Presidents also touched upon the Stipendium Hungaricum Programme in the field of higher education.

According to a local report of the meeting, Katalin Novak expressed appreciation for Egypt's role in maintaining stability and peace in the Middle East. The two sides agreed on the need to condemn attacks on civilians and forced displacements and to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, the two Presidents also agreed on the need for strong international action to resolve the crisis.

The regional situation, in particular the events in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, also received much attention during the meeting. President El-Sisi stressed the vital importance of achieving a lasting ceasefire and of humanitarian assistance. He noted that this must be done while ensuring that the conflict does not spill over into the West Bank. President El-Sisi reiterated that the stability and security of the region is closely linked to the international recognition of a Palestinian state along the borders of 4 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to www.presidency.eg(http://www.presidency.eg/).

Katalin Novák paid an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, where she also held talks with Speaker of the House of Representatives Hanafy Gebaly. The Hungarian Head of State will be received by Coptic Pope Tawadros II on Tuesday and will address the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) on Friday.