BRUSSELS — European Council President Charles Michel and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held talks on Wednesday over the telephone, according to a press statement from the EU.

They discussed a number of regional issues as well as the EU-Egypt bilateral relations.

President El-Sisi and President Michel agreed to strengthen cooperation, enhance dialogue on a broad range of issues and resolve outstanding issues.

Michel underscored that the EU will continue to be a key partner to Egypt, in particular on investments.

President Michel and President El-Sisi discussed the latest developments in the region, in particular regarding the Middle-East Peace Process. He thanked Egypt for its efforts to help de-escalate and reach a ceasefire putting an end to eleven days of violence.

The EU president referred to the Council resolutions adopted on May 24-25 in which the European Council welcomed the ceasefire and reiterated the EU’s commitment to the two-state solution. He conveyed the message that the EU will work closely with key international partners to restart the political process to bring lasting and sustainable solutions.

On Libya, Michel and El-Sisi agreed on the shared interest for Egypt and the EU in a stable and united Libya. They underlined the importance of supporting the Government of National Unity and UN efforts in making progress on the different political, security and economic tracks, including the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from the country.

On the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), President Michel stressed the need to reach an agreement and re-affirmed the centrality of the AU-led process and the close coordination between the EU and the US. They also exchanged on the troubling situation in the Horn of Africa.

He also discussed security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region. President Michel stressed the EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and welcomed the current dialogue between Egypt and Turkey. — Agencies