H.E. Sameh Shoukry, Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and President-designate of the Twenty-Seventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Climate Change (UNFCCC) received Mr. Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the European Green Deal and Climate Change Negotiations in Cairo today. Mr. Timmermans was accompanied by a delegation of senior EU officials and negotiators.
The two sides held wide-ranging consultations covering preparations for COP27 and related issues, as well as mechanisms for implementing the European Green Deal and supporting the process of just transition with a focus on the African continent.
They also discussed prospects for enhanced bilateral and regional cooperation frameworks between Egypt and the European Union on issues that are fundamental to accelerate the transition to sustainable and resilient, net-zero emissions economies, including the potential for supporting further renewable energy generation, green hydrogen, climate change adaptation and sustainable and integrated management of water and other resources in line with Egypt's 2030 Strategy and Climate Change Strategy 2050, as well as the European Green Deal.
Both sides agreed to reinforce cooperation, to defend multilateralism and to spare no efforts to deliver ambitious outcomes at COP27, building on what was achieved in Glasgow in view of keeping 1.5 degrees in reach and supporting developing countries in adapting to the impacts of climate change. Implementation of the pledges and announcements made should now be the priority including in the context of the 2022 High-Level Ministerial Roundtable on Pre-2030 Ambition.
They agreed to work jointly to encourage the mobilization of climate finance to developing countries and particularly for African countries including with regard to accelerating the delivery of the $100 billion pledge and for adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change.
Both parties emphasized the importance and centrality of the role of various partners and stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and youth, in addressing the global climate agenda, and thus reiterated their full support for an inclusive climate response that promotes dialogue and active consultations.
Acknowledging the severe impact that climate change and environmental degradation have and the urgency to act to reduce emissions and enhance resilience, Egypt and the EU reaffirmed their resolve to reinforce their cooperation and demonstrate joint leadership to enhance shared prosperity through resilient and sustainable growth. Noting Egypt’s significant potential in driving a just and inclusive green transition, the EU reconfirmed its openness to explore bilateral partnerships and further cooperation through investments, exchange of expertise and technology in areas of mutual interest. The EU Global Gateway and the flagships of the Economic and Investment Plan will be key tools to mobilise tailored support. The implementation of ambitious climate policies and targets in Egypt could be a valuable contribution to this partnership.
Both sides agreed to reinforce cooperation on liquefied natural gas and green hydrogen supplies and to develop a Mediterranean Green Hydrogen Partnership encompassing hydrogen trade between Europe, Africa and the Gulf. They also agreed that the impact of the current geopolitical situation should not result in backtracking nor lowering the level of ambition for climate action, deprioritizing climate responses or diminishing the fiscal space available to developing countries.
Details
- Publication date
- 11 April 2022
- Author
- Directorate-General for Climate Action