EU-Egypt deal 'milestone' in ties says VDL

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 17 - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Sunday's deal with Egypt to trade development funding for stemming migration was a "milestone" in relations between the bloc and the North African country.
    "Today's visit and the strong representation of European leaders reflects the force of our bilateral ties, and today marks a milestone," she said after meeting President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi with Premier Giorgia Meloni of Italy and Belgian, Austrian, Greek and Cypriot leaders.
    "To reinforce this strategic partnership, the EU is tabling a significant financial and investment support package worth €7.4 billion over the next four years," she said.
    "Today we launch our Strategic and Comprehensive partnership with Egypt.
    "We will work together in six areas of mutual interest: 1. Political relations 2. Economic stability 3. Investments & Trade 4. Migration 5. Security 6. People and skills" (ANSA).