Cairo and Paris have signed a declaration of intent to deepen their migration cooperation through an approach that combines development, training, and addressing the root causes of irregular migration.
This is being hailed as marking a new stage in their strategic partnership, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The text outlines a comprehensive approach to migration management, centered on development, training, and addressing the economic and social factors that drive irregular displacement.
Egypt’s foreign affairs minister Badr Abdelatty said the declaration “opens new avenues for cooperation” by moving beyond an approach focused solely on border control or the return of irregular migrants.
He added that it also aims to address the root causes of migration through actions in the areas of economic development, higher education, vocational training, and skills development.
The minister emphasised that this initiative is a continuation of the strategic partnership established between the two countries in April 2025, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Egypt.
On that occasion, Cairo and Paris agreed to prioritise a comprehensive response to migration, combining security cooperation with development support.
Badr Abdelatty also noted that Egypt hosts a significant number of refugees and asylum seekers, a situation which, according to him, places considerable strain on national resources and public services.
He highlighted the results of Egypt’s strategy to combat irregular migration and migrant smuggling, stating that no boats carrying undocumented migrants had departed from Egyptian shores for Europe in recent years.
As a transit country between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, Egypt adopted a law in 2016 dedicated to combating irregular migration and migrant smuggling, one of the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Since 2014, the National Coordination Commission for Combating and Preventing Irregular Migration and Human Trafficking has been responsible for implementing the 2016-2026 national strategy in this area.
This new declaration of intent reflects the two countries’ commitment to expanding their cooperation in order to provide a sustainable response to migration challenges.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/as/APA