EU Parliament approves trade partnership agreement with Egypt

The European Parliament endorsed with a landslide majority the Trade Partnership Agreement with Egypt on Thursday.

The Parliament lauded the political and economic effects of the agreement on the Egyptian-European relations, taking into account the important political role played by Egypt to restore stability and peace to the Middle East.

The Parliament regretted absence of a clear text that could activate political dialogue with the Egyptian parliament in order to guarantee its implementation.

The EU deputies praised the important role undertaken by President Mubarak and his efforts to maintain stability and peace in the region.

The agreement was signed in Luxembourg on June 25 by Foreign Minister Ahmad Maher, from the Egyptian sides, and Swedish counterpart Anna Lindh whose country chaired the previous EU presidency round.

EU Foreign Relations Commissioner, Chris Patten highlighted the role Egypt plays to support the international anti-terrorism coalition and to enhance economic growth in the region, citing in this regard Agadir Declaration on a free trade area grouping Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan.