Remarks by President Donald Tusk at the press conference after the EU-LAS summit in Egypt

It is time to get real about partnership between the Arab world and Europe. We are confronted by many of the same challenges, in a geo-political context that has become even more dangerous and unstable. Challenges such as dealing with international security crises and terrorism, fighting climate change and mass population displacement or ensuring sustainable growth and investment in an uncertain global economy. As close neighbours, we have no alternative but to work together on these and other issues.

The global rules-based order is clearly under threat. We have agreed here in Sharm El-Sheikh that both sides will work together to defend it. Multilateral solutions remain the best way to address threats to international peace and security. This is true whether we talk about the situations in Syria, Libya, Yemen, or the Middle East Peace process. And I am happy to say that, as we have written in our Summit declaration, we renewed our commitment to the upholding of all aspects of international human rights law.

Today leaders committed to developing a positive cooperation agenda that goes beyond managing crises and conflict. We want to develop common projects – from energy security to technology, to tourism and trade – that will encourage the investment and sustainable growth that our peoples need. And we will also work together to speedily implement the Paris Agreement.

Leaders also agreed to cooperate and coordinate on a number of security and border control issues. We will work to address the root causes of terrorism and deepen our efforts to combat the movement of foreign terrorist fighters across our borders. Violent extremists must be cut off from all forms of support. On border control and the fight against irregular migration: we will scale up our joint efforts to prevent people smuggling, eradicate trafficking in human beings and combat those who exploit vulnerable people.

This summit is only the beginning, but a very good beginning. The beginning of a frank and substantive conversation between our parts of the world. Let me conclude by thanking our League of Arab States partners for the excellent cooperation in making this Summit possible. And of course, to President Al Sisi and the Egyptian people: thank you so much for all your efforts and warm hospitality here in Sharm El-Sheikh.

In many ways, today is your success, Mr President. Thank you.

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