Cairo, Egypt: In a significant diplomatic address at the International Conference on the “Global Alliance against Migrant Smuggling,” Egypt’s Ambassador to Brussels and representative to the European Union (EU) and NATO, Badr Abdel Aty, emphatically rejected any forced displacement of the Palestinian people within or outside the Gaza Strip.
The conference, organized by the European Commission, brought together representatives from over 55 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America to discuss strategies for enhancing global cooperation in combatting migrant smuggling.
Ambassador Abdel Aty underscored Egypt’s comprehensive approach to migration issues, encompassing not only security aspects but also developmental, economic, and social dimensions to tackle the root causes of illegal migration.
He highlighted Egypt’s success in combating illegal migration, noting the absence of any illegal migration boats departing from Egyptian coasts since September 2016.
Emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts, Abdel Aty called for joint action to increase legal migration from Egypt to the EU.
He proposed launching technical and vocational training and education programs to equip Egyptian workers with the necessary skills for the European labor market.
Creating regulated job opportunities, he argued, would contribute to reducing the number of illegal immigrants entering EU countries.
Abdel Aty also shed light on Egypt’s significant humanitarian efforts, hosting around 9 million refugees who receive basic services akin to Egyptian citizens.
He noted the country’s reception of hundreds of thousands of Sudanese refugees since the recent crisis, acknowledging the economic burdens associated with such hospitality.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the imperative to strengthen cooperation among countries of origin, destination, and transit to combat migrant smuggling networks effectively.
She expressed the EU’s aspiration to establish more partnerships at the bilateral level, aiming to provide job opportunities and facilitate circular migration, thereby bridging gaps in the European labor market.
Ilva Johansson, the European Commissioner for Migration and Internal Affairs, commended the existing cooperation with Egypt as a crucial partner for the EU. She highlighted the importance of sustaining bilateral cooperation in the migration sector.
The commissioner’s positive remarks indicated a recognition of Egypt’s commitment to addressing the complex challenges associated with migration.
The conference, themed around the “Global Alliance against Migrant Smuggling,” centered its discussions on preventing migrant smuggling, countering such activities, and exploring alternatives to illegal migration as a fundamental deterrent tool.
The international community, represented by the diverse array of attendees, engaged in a robust exchange of ideas and strategies to address the multifaceted issue of migrant smuggling.
Egypt’s proactive stance in the global dialogue on migration underscores its commitment to fostering international cooperation and seeking comprehensive solutions.
The country’s multifaceted approach, addressing both the immediate security concerns and the underlying socio-economic factors, serves as a model for nations grappling with the complexities of migration management.
As the conference concluded, the collaborative spirit exhibited by the participating countries laid the groundwork for future initiatives and partnerships in the ongoing global effort to combat migrant smuggling and provide viable alternatives to illegal migration.
Egypt’s role in this arena remains pivotal, reflecting its dedication to finding sustainable solutions and fostering cooperation on the international stage.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members