On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, President Michael D. Higgins welcomed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to Áras an Uachtaráin for a courtesy call. This meeting marked a significant diplomatic moment, as it was the first visit to Ireland by an Egyptian head of state since President Hosni Mubarak’s visit in 2006.
Key Discussions: Gaza, Syria, and Humanitarian Issues
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed several pressing global and regional issues, with a particular focus on the Middle East. Central to their discussions was the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with President Higgins and President el-Sisi expressing deep concern over the suffering caused by the absence of a ceasefire. They also touched on the broader geopolitical situation in the region, including recent developments in Syria.
A notable point of the conversation was the arrangements made for the medical evacuation of eight children and their families from Gaza, who are currently in Cairo and are set to receive medical treatment in Ireland. This initiative is being facilitated through the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism, following a request from the World Health Organization.
Broader Topics and Bilateral Cooperation
Beyond the immediate humanitarian concerns, the two Presidents addressed various other issues, including consular matters, human rights, food security, and cultural heritage. These discussions reflect the broader scope of cooperation between Ireland and Egypt, which continues to evolve in a range of sectors.
President el-Sisi’s delegation included key Egyptian officials, such as Dr. Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Expatriates; Hassan Mohamed Hassan Elkhatib, the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; and the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Ireland, H.E. Mohamed Sarwat Selim.
Significance of the Visit
The visit is of considerable diplomatic importance, marking a new phase in Irish-Egyptian relations. While previous Egyptian visits to Ireland have been infrequent, the discussions between the two heads of state underline the potential for closer cooperation on key international issues, particularly in the areas of humanitarian aid, regional stability, and cultural exchange.
As the two leaders concluded their meeting, both expressed a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and continuing dialogue on critical global issues. This visit also highlights the importance of Ireland’s role in international diplomacy, particularly in facilitating humanitarian efforts and engaging with Middle Eastern countries on matters of common concern.
