Mohamed Abou El-Enein, President of the Egyptian-European Council, expressed his happiness on meeting European parliamentarians by saying in his closing speech: “I am very happy because I have conducted a number of meetings with officials from Europe, USA and Asia to correct misconceptions and false information about Egypt, which created a negative perception contrary to the reality”. He added: “I am happy as you (European parliamentarians), after just one day in Egypt, realized the truth.”
The role of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Egyptian army in achieving the will of Egyptians.
Abou El-Enein said: “The Egyptian people decided to build a modern Egypt and a new Egyptian civilization, and this is what President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi aspires for, this is the Egyptian will. In June 30 revolution, the entire Egyptian people took to the streets demanding change and asked for a better future away from extremism. The Egyptian army performed a heroic role and supported the will of the Egyptians, as both the people and army were together able to rescue Egypt. Maybe there is some economic suffering, but we are happy with this suffering in order to build Egypt. It is our will and our decision. I am very happy that you (European parliamentarians) understood this will, as well as the will of the Egyptian President to build a modern and better Egypt.”
The call to boost tourism by promoting safety and security in Egypt.
He continued: “The second message that I would like to deliver to you (European parliamentarians) is regarding the warnings by some against spending vacation in Egypt. Egypt contains many wonderful tourist attractions, and tourism represents an important and large part of the Egyptian economy. However, we believe that the decision concerning the return of tourism to Egypt is a political one, as those who try to convince tourists not to go to Sharm el-Sheikh or visit Egypt suffer from terrorist attacks in their own countries.”
Businessman Abou El-Enein added: “I invite you to go with me to see the real-life situation in the Egyptian tourist destinations as same as I did with my friends from the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly when I accompanied them to visit Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. We spent two days inspecting those cities and witnessing the real-life situation, and when they returned to Italy, they held a press conference explaining the truth about what they have seen with their own eyes. I think one of the aspects of support for Egypt is to face those who try to prevent the return of tourism to Egypt through spreading rumors and false news contrary to the truth, thus holding Egypt from returning to its leading status in the field of tourism.”
President of the Egyptian-European Council said: “I am sure that all European peoples would like to return to visit Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, and spend more time in those wonderful places. But there are those who are trying to scare them away by saying things that are not true. Please convey to them the message of stability and security, of which you (European parliamentarians) have found in Egypt, and transmit a message that Egypt wants to return to its former status and wish to enhance investment, trade and tourism relations.”
The visit of Italian Parliament delegation to Egypt.
Mr. Abou El-Enein invited members of the European Parliament to visit Sharm el-Sheikh. He told them that “Two months ago, I hosted Italian Senator Lucio Barani and five other members of the Italian Parliament in Sharm el-Sheikh. During this visit, I explained the truth behind the false and misleading information heard by the Europeans about Egypt.”
During his stay, I suggested for Senator Barney to come down to the streets of Egypt alone, and to wander among the Egyptians. He did that on his own without escorts or even a car. After the experience, he realized that situation and the false reports circulated about Egypt.
The Italian delegation went to a restaurant late in the night. They witnessed the hospitality and generosity of the Egyptian people. They wandered in the street and experienced Egypt’s safety, security and stability. In the following day, a press conference was held at which they spoke about what they observed and the misleading picture drew by the western media.
“I have asked the delegation to convey this message of how Egypt is safe and secure and that anyone can come to visit Egypt whether as an investor, a tourist or even a friend. We are all aware of the how much strong the relationship between Egypt and Europe as the European Union is Egypt’s first partner for trade, investment and tourism”.
“it is pleasant that we are partners in the future and the successes achieved by Egypt. It is pleasant to welcome you in Egypt today as it represents a great opportunity to deliver the real image to Europe and the whole world, in addition to having mutual business and success.”
Abou El-Enein welcomed the members of the European Parliament delegation, saying “Your visit to Egypt pleases me the most, and I hope that there will be a plenty of time for the next visit to enjoy Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, especially since I’m aware that some of you pay a visit to Egypt for the first time”.
He also welcomed the attendees of state officials, including Maj. Gen. Kamal Eldaly.
“You and your colleagues of police officers exert much effort to restore security and stability to provide Egyptians with a safe country they can live in”.
Abul Enein also welcomed Fathi Sorourr, the Egyptian politician who was the Speaker of the People’s Assembly of Egypt from 1990 until the Egyptian Revolution in 2011.
“We all know the remarkable history of Fathi Sorour either at the parliament, where he remained the Speaker for two decades, or for being a great Jurist. It is honorable to have him today among us.
A delegation from the European Parliament met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Wednesday to discuss intensifying the mutual consultation and coordination between Egypt and the European Union in the light of the common challenges and tensions escalating in the Middle East. The meeting also touched on the illegal immigration and solutions to control the flow of refugees into Europe as it represents a pillar of security and stability in the fight against terrorism.
