The EU’s foreign affairs & security representative, Catherine Ashton, will meet the new Egyptian President, Mohamed Morsi, on Thursday 18th July 2012 to discuss recent developments and underscore the EU’s support for democratic transition in Egypt.
Ms Ashton will also meet with Field Marshall Mohamed Hussein Tantawi and make a speech at an EU conference on the future of women in Egypt.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Ms Ashton said:
“I am very much looking forward to meeting President Morsi. The EU will continue to do all it can to support the peaceful and orderly transition to a civilian and democratic government in Egypt. Egypt is a key player in the Arab world, and a full and reliable partner in international affairs, so steps forward in Egypt are crucial for democracy-building in the Middle East and North Africa.
“The EU is aware there are many challenges ahead. But will continue to stand by Egypt and its people in their quest for both deep democracy and economic opportunity.
“Since the very start, women have played a key role in the revolution. They are an inspiration to us all. That is why I am delighted to have organised this conference on ‘Egyptian Women: The Way Forward’.”
Mohamed Morsi became the fifth president of Egypt on 30th June 2012 after winning the summer’s presidential elections. A key figure in the Muslim Brotherhood, Morsi faces challenges in re-establishing the powers of President against the military council who ruled Egypt immediately after the removal of Hosni Mubarak.
