MP Mohamed Abou El-Enein, during his chairmanship of the Forum and Summit of the Union for the Mediterranean Parliaments in Cairo, emphasized:
-
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s efforts have contributed to resolving Middle Eastern crises, with Egypt consistently at the forefront of countries seeking solutions to regional conflicts
-
President El-Sisi rejected forced displacement and upheld the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state; the two-state solution remains the only path to resolving the Palestinian issue, and there can be no peace in the region without a just resolution
-
Calls to halt repeated Israeli aggressions against Lebanon and Syria
-
Calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Sudan, along with a comprehensive solution to end the Libyan crisis
-
Egypt’s role in regional security and conflict resolution reflects a solid position and growing international respect
-
Egypt bears the burdens of regional crises and acts as a mediator to end these conflicts
International Parliamentary Consensus on Egypt’s Role:
-
International recognition of Egypt and President El-Sisi’s role in de-escalation and stability.
-
The Euro-Mediterranean Parliament awards President El-Sisi the “Olive Tree Peace Prize”
Cairo revives the spirit of Barcelona and launches a new phase of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation
Cairo hosted the largest Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary gathering over two days, marking the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process (1995). The Egyptian House of Representatives hosted the Forum on Economic Cooperation of the Union for the Mediterranean Parliaments and the Summit of Speakers, chaired by MP Mohamed Abou El-Enein, with the participation of parliaments from 42 countries, the European Parliament, the President of the International Parliament, the President of the Arab Parliament, and numerous parliamentary leaders and representatives of international and regional organizations.
A New Pact to Revive the Spirit of Barcelona
The Forum aimed to enhance economic integration across the Mediterranean and relaunch the Barcelona Process on its 30th anniversary by establishing a “New Mediterranean Pact,” reflecting the region’s commitment to security, stability, and shared development.
Intensive Meetings of Five Main Committees
The first day saw continuous meetings of five key committees addressing:
-
Political Affairs, Security, and Human Rights
-
Economic, Financial, and Educational Affairs
-
Women’s Rights
-
Energy, Environment, and Water
-
Improving Quality of Life and Cultural Exchanges
The committees discussed major challenges affecting the Mediterranean’s future, including illegal migration and its socio-economic impacts, ongoing crises in Palestine, Sudan, Libya, and Ukraine, with a focus on solutions based on dialogue, development, and improving quality of life as a pathway to peace.
Abou El-Enein: Egypt at the Forefront of Conflict Resolution
During meetings of the Bureau and the Expanded Bureau of the Assembly, MP Mohamed Abou El-Enein stressed the region faces complex political, geopolitical, and economic challenges, foremost among them the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has escalated over the past two years.
He emphasized that true economic cooperation cannot occur without addressing the region’s crises, affirming that Egypt has always been and will remain at the forefront of seeking political solutions. He noted the Palestinian people have endured widespread destruction and acts of mass violence amid international silence, despite initiatives from the UN and the International Criminal Court.
Egypt Rejects Forced Displacement and Upholds Core Principles
Abou El-Enein highlighted that wars produce no winners, stating, “There is no victor on the fields of destruction,” and affirmed Egypt’s clear stance against any attempt to displace the Palestinian people or resolve the issue through alternative forced or voluntary displacement.
He thanked President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for his decisive stance in rejecting forced displacement and upholding the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state. He also noted that the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit established actionable steps that helped halt the war on Gaza, with ongoing efforts to implement the remaining measures.
Regional Crises: From Sudan to Libya and the Renaissance Dam
Abou El-Enein confirmed that the region faces multifaceted crises. The Forum discussions addressed the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the Sudanese crisis, the situation in Libya, repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Syria, maritime security, and Egypt’s water rights in the Nile.
He affirmed that the Nile is Egypt’s lifeline and stressed Egypt’s insistence on protecting its water rights against unilateral actions by Ethiopia. He called for sustainable solutions addressing the root causes of crises, grounded in international law, political dialogue, and respect for state sovereignty.
Day Two: Cairo as a Regional Dialogue Hub
The second day featured a historic session of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliament, turning Cairo into a center for regional dialogue and a platform to discuss the Mediterranean’s future and launch a shared vision based on peace, development, and mutual respect.
The main summit session, attended by Speaker Dr. Hanafi Gebali and senior parliamentary leaders, focused on enhancing economic cooperation, ending conflicts, linking investment to green and digital transformations, creating opportunities for youth and women, and drafting the new Mediterranean Pact.
Abou El-Enein: Success Measured by Citizen Impact
Abou El-Enein emphasized that success is measured not by documents or statements but by tangible results felt by citizens. He stressed that Egypt is leading exceptional efforts to revive the spirit of Barcelona and build a true North-South partnership, asserting that regional stability cannot be achieved without a just and comprehensive peace for the Palestinian issue.
He clearly stated: “No to Palestinian displacement… No to the liquidation of the issue… No to unilateral solutions.”
He highlighted Egypt’s active role at all levels to protect Palestinian rights, halt the war, and support the political process, demonstrated by leadership initiatives, opening crossings for aid, and ceasefire efforts.
Regarding the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, he described it as a crucial international platform for transforming the ceasefire into a permanent political process, praising the vital roles of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and former US President Donald Trump in halting the war.
Widespread International Recognition of Egypt’s Role
During the summit, parliamentary leaders and delegations praised Egypt and President El-Sisi’s initiatives, affirming that Cairo has become a voice of reason and wisdom and a cornerstone of stability in a crisis-ridden region.
All participants agreed that Egypt, led by President El-Sisi, has become a cornerstone of regional security and stability, with its voice essential in all conflict-resolution equations.
Awarding President El-Sisi the Olive Tree Peace Prize
In a major international recognition, the Euro-Mediterranean Parliament awarded President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the “Olive Tree Peace Prize” in appreciation of his efforts to support regional and international peace and his humanitarian initiatives toward the Palestinian people.
Closing Message: Cairo Revives the Spirit of Barcelona
The meetings concluded with a clear message: Cairo has revived the spirit of Barcelona, connecting the past with the present, and opened the door to a new phase of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation under the banner of peace, development, and a shared future.
